The Balon Bayambang Events Center was filled with young athletes on Saturday, September 16, for the opening ceremony of the first-ever Inter-Barangay 3×3 Junior Basketball Tournament.

Representatives from the different barangays of Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, and Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were present to kick-start the competition which is open for males under 17 years old.

In his welcome speech, OIC Municipal Administrator Atty. Raymundo Bautista Jr. reminded the participants what the games were all about: the quest for honor and excellence and the fostering of camaraderie.

Councilor Philip Dumalanta, who is the Chairman of the Sangguniang Bayan’s Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports Development, exhorted all the participants to practice sportsmanship in the course of the tournament.

For his part, Municipal Physical Fitness and Sports Development Council (MPFSDC) Executive Director Bernardo C. Jimenez remarked, “Who knows, baka sa inyo manggaling ang bagong Marc Pingris o Kobe Paras.”

Spearheading the orientation in the conduct of the tournament was Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas Area Commissioner Dr. Joel T. Cayabyab. The most important thing, he said, is for the athletes to enjoy the games and the camaraderie, not the competition per se.

The Oath of Sportsmanship and Amateurism was led by John Sandy Junio.

The competition was organized by the MPFSDC in hopes of helping keep the youth of Bayambang away from vices through sports and recreational activities.

The competition will be held every Saturday and Sunday until October.