Foreign teams to vie in Mindanao Games

Foreign teams are expected to see action in the second Mindanao Friendship Games (MFG) in Cagayan de Oro set Oct. 15-19 as preparations by the organizing Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) shift to high gear.

PSC commissioner William "Butch" Ramirez, overall project director, said that the BIMP-EAGA, comprising the island of Sarawak, Brunei, Sabah, Lubuan, Malaysia, Kalimanatan, and Maluko Irian Jaya of Indonesia, have been invited to send teams and participate in the event.

"The Northern Territory of Darwin, Australia has likewise been invited to send a delegation and participate, particularly in football and basketball," said Ramirez. "We hope to provide exposure to our Mindanaon athletes through friendly competitions with these foreign teams."

The multi-sport open event competition expects to gather about 4,000 athletes and officials from 50 provinces and highly urbanized and chartered cities from all over Mindanao.

Hosts Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano and Misamis Oriental Gov. Antonio Calingin are likewise leaving no stone unturned to ensure that facilities are in top condition when the biggest sporting event in the region opens at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Complex.

Commissioner Ramirez said that President Arroyo has put Mindanao high in her socio-economic agenda and serves the MFG as one of the catalysts in fast-tracking development in the region.

"We believe that the MFG will not only be a vehicle in accelerating this development but will also serve as a tool in promoting peace and unity in Mindanao," added Ramirez, a native of Davao City, underscoring the event’s theme "Sports for Peace."

Sports on tap in the MFG are arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, baseball, boxing, chess, football, pencak silat, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, karate-do, judo, and lawn tennis. Women’s events have been included in basketball and softball.