Marikina to launch first DELeague invit'l caging

MANILA, Philippines - Marikina will stage the first DELeague Open invitational basketball tournament in October which offers a total prize purse of P200,000 at the Marikina Sports Park (MSP).

Mayor Del de Guzman of Marikina has invited various commercial cage clubs of companies, cities and provinces to join the tournament with the winner taking the top P100,000 purse.

The runner-up will receive P50,000 while the third and fourth placers will get P25,000 and P10,000, respectively.

Organizers of the event said 11 teams have already confirmed participation in the tournament, including Philippine Army, Hobe Bihon, Wangs Ball Club, Sea Lion -PCU, BBJ Construction, Congre 1, Invest Well (D League), San Jose- Antipolo Selection, Team of Kiko Adriano, MBL Selection by Elvies Tolentino, and Marikina Selection.

The participation of former PBA players, namely Nelson Asaytono, Paul Alvarez, Biboy Simon, Kiko Adriano, Marlon Basco, Banjo Calpito and Chad Alozo is expected to add spice to the league.

Sonny Manucat III, DELeague commissioner, is optimistic the games will attract thousands of fans from Marikina, Quezon City, Cainta, Pasig, Antipolo, San Mateo and Montalban. He also expects spectators from the provinces to support their respective teams.

The games will be played every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 7-10 p.m.

 DELeague is organized by the Del Sports Group headed by Kap. Odi Francisco of Concepcion Uno with Councilors Mark del Rosario, Frankie Ayuson, Mario de Leon, Domeng dela Paz, MSP sports administrator Dr. Totoy Llabres, and Public Information Office chief Paul Edward P. Sison as officers of the Executive Committee.

The first DELeague aims to contribute to the promotion of Marikina as the country’s sports capital while giving commercial teams, cities, and provinces an opportunity to promote their brand and products.

Interested ballclubs may submit their entries on or before Sept. 15, 2011. Kindly contact our Secretariat: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> for inquiries or you may call our Commissioner Sonny Manucat at mobile number 0917-825 8550 or our Deputy Commissioner Norman Afable at mobile number 0920 918 6481.