Inaugural Mandaue Congressional Cup kicks off with a bang

CEBU, Philippines — The 1st Mandaue Congressional Ouano-Dizon Cup blasted off on a bright note last Sunday, June 23, at the newly-renovated Barangay Opao gymnasium.

Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie  “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon and her husband, Opao Barangay Captain Nixon “Jojo” Dizon, graced the formal opening ceremony together with Provincial Board Member Jonkie Ouano of Cebu’s Sixth District, city councilors Nerissa “Inday Nery” Soon-Ruiz, Atty. Joel Seno, Cesar “Ting Sol” Cabahug, and Andreo “Anjong” Ouano Icalina, and Consolacion councilor Alfie Ouano among others.

“Kani nga liga open sa tanan. Walay color, walay pili kay atong katuyoan kita tanan malipay, malingaw, ug mapakita inyong abilidad ug katakos sa pagduwa,” said Ouano-Dizon, who firmly believes in sports as a potent unifying force in the community.

“We have seen through many sporting events around the world kon giunsa sa sports ang paghiusa sa katawhan ug nalipay kaayo ko ganina nga ang tanan are supporting and cheering for a common love, interest and goal,” Ouano-Dizon added.

Almost 1,800 athletes scattered in 115 teams coming from 25 out of the 27 barangays in the city are taking part in the month-long tilt that features men’s and women’s volleyball, and the juniors, seniors, and 40-above categories for basketball.

The participating barangays are Alang-Alang, Banilad, Basak, Cabancalan, Cambaro, Canduman, Casili, Casuntingan, Centro, Cubacub, Guizo, Ibabao-Estancia, Jagobiao, Labogon, Looc, Maguikay, Mantuyong, Opao, Pagsabungan, Paknaan, Subangdaku, Tabok, Tingub, Tipolo, and Umapad.

Jonkie Ouano, the event’s overall director, formally declared the tournament open.

Zylle Cabellon, a varsity  player of the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Councilor of Banilad, led the oath of sportsmanship. The pride of Mandaue then carried the Flame of Sportsmanship, which was lighted by volleyball superstar Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina.

In her inspirational message, the Liloan-native Rondina, who currently plays for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), told the athletes that dreams do come true with hard work and determination to succeed in life. — (FREEMAN)