Engaging the Youth into Sports: The Grand Opening of the Tabogon Mayor's Cup Basketball Tournament 2023

The town fiesta is fast approaching. It is held in May every year to celebrate the feast of Sr. San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of the municipality of Tabogon.

Being a religious nation, sitios, puroks, barangays, towns, and cities in the Philippines have their own patron saints and in honor of their patron saints, fiestas are celebrated every year.

The municipal fiesta executive committee is already busy preparing for the big event tapping all barangays in the town to participate in the upcoming activities for the grand celebration. One of the highlights of the fiesta celebration this year spearheaded by the town mayor is the Inter-Barangay Mayor's Cup 2023 Basketball Tournament.

_{This photo is not mine but taken from the Municipality of Tabogon Facebook Album.}

In today's blog, I'll be sharing with you how my humble little town tried to ignite and motivate the youth to avoid bad vices by engaging themselves into sports through this First Mayor Francis Salimbangon (the town Mayor) Cup Basketball Tournament 2023.

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Entangled in the Town

It was by chance that I was at the center of the town running an errand for someone that I was caught up in this throng of youths crowding outside the town sports complex and in uniforms. Then, I remember my husband telling me that the opening of the basketball tournament shall be held on that day so I took this chance to take quick photos of this event.

Seeing my husband who's one of the coaches of the team from our barangay, I made my way through this crowd of basketball players from the different barangays in the town.

As I looked up and read the tarpaulin hung in front of the Municipal Gym, I was wowed at what was posted on it! The Mayor's Cup Prize Pool amounted to Php142,000.00 or 2,581.63 USD. Wheww! No wonder these young and active basketball players were more than enthusiastic and excited to take part in this action game.

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The Parade

Led and energized by the Drum, Lyre, and Bugle Corps (DLBC) band, the teams of competitive athletes together with their very hopeful and supportive coaches and barangay officials paraded around the town towards the Tabogon Municipal Gym.

Ushered by their stunning and beautiful muses and escorts bringing the team banners, all teams actively joined the parade despite the sudden pour of rain.

_{These athletes from Barangay Kal-anan look neat and pleasing in their uniforms from their shoes, socks, shorts and shirts. I wasn't able to recognize it at first but this lovely muse was my student in Junior and Senior High School.}.

Looking at the next teams that passed by, I was more than stunned to see more beautiful muses I knew were my students way back in Junior High School.

In their respective colors, 25 teams actively participated in the parade which represented all the 25 barangays of Tabogon showing their full support to this noble cause!

Walking around for about 20-30 minutes, the teams arrived at the Tabogon Municipal Gym for the opening program facilitated by the Municipal sports committee.

Assembled inside the gym in their assigned spot, the different teams looked very colorful and vibrant in their uniquely designed uniforms as they waited for the opening program to start.

Bringing the team banners, the team muses showed their most beautiful smiles as they made their lovely poses in front of the large crowd.

_{Photo not mine but grabbed from the Municipal Government of Tabogon Facebook album.}

In presentation of the different teams, these groups of players shouted their team yells and cheers that echoed around this newly renovated and comfortable structure- the municipal gym.

This municipal gym actually used to be a little hot and ordinary but when the former Philippine President came and visited this little town a few years ago, he was the one who promised to make this into how convenient and large as it is today. All Taboganons are always grateful to our former President for his concern and effort.

Competing not only during the game, but also with the team yell presentation, their uniquely designed uniforms as well as for their best muse added the excitement and liveliness of the grand opening celebration.

Disclaimer: Since I already left before the official announcement of winners, photos below are not mine but taken from the Municipal Government of Tabogon Facebook album.

_{The Best in Uniform Team}

_{The Best Muse 2023}

It was the ceremonial tossing facilitated by the Mayor himself, that officially signaled the beginning of this exciting and thrilling action game for all the male youths of the municipality, the First Tabogon Mayor's Cup Basketball Tournament 2023.

_{These two captain balls from team Kal-anan and team Ilihan look more than ready for this competitive game during the ceremonial tossing facilitated by the young mayor himself.}

With the 25 teams competing for this prize, I bet these hopeful and potential players will truly find the unforgettable game of their lifetime!

According to John Wooden, legendary UCLA basketball coach, “Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” Source: studymode.com

As sports do not just bring fun and enjoyment to the youths but also teach them how to work as a team and play fairly, this basketball tournament, indeed, should bring positive experiences to the youth athletes of our humble little town!

My snappy salute to the leaders who believe that building the country starts with building and strengthening the characters of the youth in this beloved nation!

This is all for today's blog guys! Thank you for reading this far! Until next time.....God bless us all!