MANILA, Philippines – Papagitna ang ‘gay power’ sa paglulunsad ng Sports Core ng 1st Quezon City Pride Volleyball Cup sa Sabado at Linggo sa Amoranto Stadium.
Kabuuang 12 koponan mula sa LGBT community ang magpapakita ng kanilang lakas at ganda sa nasabing two-day event na nagpo-promote ng gender equality sa sports.
Sinabi ni Councilor Mayen Juico, ang chairman ng Quezon City committee on women, family relation and gender equality, na inaasahan niyang magiging matagumpay ang event dahil sa ipinaram-dam na interes ng gay community na makipaglaban para sa karangalan.
“Since Quezon City is the only LGU (local government unit) which has a committee focused on gender equality, we realized that it’s only fitting to join hands with Sports Core in organizing a tournament like this,” wika ni Juico.
“We’re looking forward to a very successful and fun-filled event. I’m sure everybody will enjoy.”
Sinabi ni Sports Core president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, ang presidente ng pinakaprestihiyosong inter-club league sa bansa -- ang Philippine Superliga, na ang 12 koponan ay hahatiin sa dalawang grupo na maglalaban sa isang single-round pool play sa Sabado.
Ang mga survivors sa pool play ang maghaharap sa knockout semifinals para sa finals sa Linggo.
“This event is the first of its kind in the Philippines,” ani Suzara, isa ring ranking executive ng Asian Volleyball Federation at International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). “This is in line with the league’s commitment to promote gender equality because volleyball is for everybody to enjoy regardless of one’s age, race or sexual preference.”
Ayon naman kay Sports Core chairman Philip Ella Juico, ang pagdaraos ng naturang torneo ang magbubukas ng pintuan sa paglalaro ng mga miyembro ng third sex.
“We are all equal,” sabi ni Juico. “We should always remember that the beautiful game of volleyball is for all and not just for select few. We will not be surprised if this event evolves into a more serious, annual tournament in the future.”
Ang mga inaasahang lalahok ay ang Team Braganza, Competitive Volleyball Group, Sesahood, IEM A at IEM B.