British Columbia congregations gather for INC Unity Games

“This event has brought closer the brethren from various local congregations not only because we traveled to the venues but, more so, we spent time together that further strengthened our bond of brotherhood,” said Hugh Tadeo, deacon in the Maple Ridge Local Congregation.

After taking their oath of sportsmanship, players engaged in friendly competitions. In the first day, their basketball and volleyball teams competed by region, that is, Surrey Region versus Vancouver Region, at Thomas Haney Secondary School, Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Chess players also tested their mettle that day.

The next day, the sporting event continued at the Cosports Badminton & Table Tennis Club along Seaborne Avenue, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. There, table tennis players competed for singles category, and badminton players for singles and doubles categories prior to the awarding ceremony later that day.

“I think the best part of this event is having all the local congregations and brethren together as one playing sports,” Jason Dongalen, KADIWA district officer, expressed, “and I thank the Church Administration for making such possible.”

Vancouver Region emerged as champion in basketball (Buklod and KADIWA) and volleyball (women). Surrey Region won the volleyball (men) and basketball (Binhi). Individual winners were Kyle Unay from East Vancouver Congregation (chess), Keyo Perez from North Vancouver Congregation (badminton singles), Erwin dela Cruz from Guildford Congregation (table tennis), and Jowill Tadifa and Brandon Tobias from Burnaby Congregation (badminton doubles). The winners received medals and trophies. — With reports from Venice Aquino of INC News Section