Guv Pogi’s sports programs

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

BY the time you read this piece, the first and second twin semifinal games in the best-of-three series of the First Governor’s Cup Inter-Town Basketball Tournament between Binmaley versus Urdaneta City and Manaoag against Alaminos City are already over. And if a third game is necessary, it will still be held at Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC), the same venue on April 1, according to the provincial sports office headed by top honcho Modesto Operania.

Experts say that despite the untarnished record of title favorite Manaoag team (6-0) in the quarterfinals mentored by former varsity cager Enan Mangonon, the boys of Mayor Kim Amador will surely encounter rough sailing against the lads of Mayor Arthur Celeste under the tutelage of former PBA player Jun Marzan. The same was expected to happen between the clashes of Binmaley and Urdaneta City and could reach the third and final match.  Let’s wait and see.

*          *          *          *

The inter-town cagefest is not yet finished and our sports-minded father of the province Amado “Pogi” Espino, lll proceeded to hold two more ball games: volleyball and basketball. According to Operania, the tournament this time will be run in a different format Dubbed as “First Pangasinan Inter-LGU Unity Games 2017,” the skirmishes had already started last March 17 at NRSCC. Operania explained that the basketball games were divided into two divisions, 1 and 2, and segregated into two conferences, western and eastern.

Division I having 17 towns will be divided into two conferences: western conference has nine towns and eastern has eight. Division II with only eight municipalities participating gains sans conference division anymore. Operania also pointed out that 12 towns and cities in volleyball games were involved in Division I, six for each conference, and since only six towns engaged in Division II acquiring automatically without conference division at all. Operania elaborated that each conference shall play the single round robin elimination method with four teams in each conference advancing to the quarterfinals.
“The eight quarterfinalists have to play another single round-robin to earn the top four positions for the semis.  The Ranked 1 and 2 getting the twice-to-beat edge with Ranked 1 to play Ranked 4 while Ranked 2 to battle Ranked 3 and the top two winners will fight for the championship in the best-of-three series,” Operania said. “he semis and the final games will all be played at NRSCC.
Yes, this is to show again that our young governor is really a sports buff because more sports activities are lined up especially during our Pista’y Dayat celebration on May 1. Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe he’s the most fanatic chief executive in sports that our province produced.
Carry on, Governor. You got the heart of your constituents especially the young ones. Congrats, more power and God bless.

*          *          *          *

We in media were stunned on learning about know the demise of media colleague and historian, the Sta. Barbara born Resty Basa at the age 86. He was buried on March 24. My deepest condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.

*          *          *          *

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. PSLAM 37: 16-17

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments