CEBU - A total of P200,000 in cash prizes are at stake for the top 10 performing teams in the Gullas Cup 2008 basketball and volleyball tournaments, which will come off the wraps off with a pompous ceremony this afternoon at the San Fernando Sports Complex.
Bannering the theme “1st District:Moving forward in unity with Gullas, the month-long sportsfest will be participated in by the three cities and three municipalities comprising the first district of Cebu namely Talisay of Mayor Socrates C. Fernandez, Minglanilla of Mayor Eduardo C. Selma, Naga of Mayor Valdimar N. Chiong, San Fernando of Mayor Lakambini G. Reluya, Carcar of Mayor Mario Patricio P. Barcenas, and Sibonga of Mayor Lionel E. Bacaltos.
“The theme adapted by each of the member of athletic board, moving forward in unity, is revealing. In other words, the three cities and the three municipalities of the first district of Cebu should unite not only in sports, but also in other facets of life - principally service,” said Cebu First District Rep. Eduardo “Eddiegul” R. Gullas during the grand launching of the event yesterday at his University of the Visayas (UV) office.
Talisay City Councilor Rodi Cabigas, a member of the working committee and basketball commissioner, advised all the teams along with their respective muses to take part in the caravan that will usher in the opening rites set at 2 pm.
To add glitz and glamour to the kick-off bash, each contingent is required to present a production number of any music, be it a festival, cultural or a variety show. Only 20 individuals are allowed to perform with a maximum time of five minutes.
As stipulated in the ground rules, failure to participate or not wearing the official uniform during the caravan and in the opening ceremony will mean forfeiture of the team’s first game.
In terms of the eligibility of players in basketball, all players must be 25 years old and below as of December 2008 and must be a bonafide resident of the city/municipality they represent.
Inactive commercial and college varsity players for two years, current under-trainees, and high school varsity cagers are allowed to play.
On the other hand, there is no age limit in volleyball, which will be supervised by Dr. Nestor Velez.
Aside from trophies, the champion in basketball will take home P30, 000, while the second to fourth placers will pocket P25,000, P20,000 and P15, 000, respectively. Non-winners will receive consolation prize of P10,000 each.
Special awards will also be handed out to the MVP, and Mythical Five members. — EBV (THE FREEMAN)