Members of the St. Francis English Community jumped for joy after being declared overall champion in the annual sports festival held by Simbayanan-Kammpi, or the Kapisanan ng Manggagawang Migranteng Pilipino, held on Feb. 19 at the YMCA sports ground in Ma On Shan, New Territories.
The event started with a holy mass at 9am at St. Francis Church. Afterwards, the organizers and the participating groups, with their muses in tow, walked to the venue nearby.
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| The parade of teams ushers in the competition. |
Sr. M. Corazon Demetillo, RGS, welcomed the participants and thanked God for the good weather. She told the competing teams to ensure a healthy and fair contest and to share each other’s talent in sports, games and dances. She also called on them to preserve and observe the spirit and values of endurance, perseverance, generosity, hon-esty, discipline, teamwork, gratitude and sportsmanship.
She added, “May the sportsfest become your way of thanking God. For all communities, may this experience be a source of growth. Whether you win or lose, appreciate and support each other. For the hard work and sacrifices, bring home the joy of friendship, sisterhood and deeper sense of community. More than trophies and plaques, for all of us, this event will continue to unite Filipino migrants from different parishes, centers and organizations. Play with joy, play with love and enthusiasm. Play for God’s glory.”
An Italian priest, Fr. Conte Francesco, PIME, of St. Joseph ‘s Church in Fanling said; “ I love the Filipino communities. (In) every church assigned to me, I followed them, helped and supported all their gatherings, I feel young with them, my heart is with them”.
One of the participants, Rizza Nazareno of the Apostle of Prayers, said: “Lubhang napakasaya at nakaka enjoy ang naturang event, na halos lahat kami hindi mapigilang mag selfie. Win or lose in the game we are all winners. Mula pa sa araw ng aming pag-eensayo, hanggang sa araw ng event, nakatulong (ito) sa aming mga OFW upang saglit na makalimutan ang pagka-homesick at mga alalahanin sa buhay. Thank God.”
Kammpi President Juvy Iwayan announced the winners in the various contests, while the trophies and plaques were awarded by the group’s adviser, Sr. Cora and spiritual director, Fr. Rodolfo Jacobe Jr., OMI.
The winners were:
Overall champion: St. Francis English Community
Tug of War: Champion - St. Joseph Fanling; 1st runner-up - St. Francis English Community; 2nd runner-up - St. Thomas the Apostle English Community
Sack Race: Champion- Holy Family English Community; 1st runner up- St. Francis English Community; 2nd runner up- Mother of Good Counsel Saturday Group
Volleyball: Champion- St. Francis English Community; 1st runner up- Holy Family English Community; 2nd runner up- Notre Dame Parish
Track and Field:
100 meter-dash Champion- St. Thomas the Apostle English Communityl; 1st runner up- Holy Family English Community; 2nd runner up- St. Francis English Community
200 meters: Champion- St. Thomas the Apostle English Community; 1st runner up- St. Jude English- Filipino Community; 2nd runner up- Holy Family English Community
400 meter-relay: Champion: Holy Family English Community; 1st runner up- St. Francis English Community; 2nd runner up- St. Thomas the Apostle English Community
Zumba: Champion- Notre Dame Parish; 1st runner up- St. Joseph Fanling English Community; 2nd runner up- St. Francis English Community
Cheer Dance: Champion- St. Francis English Community; 1st runner up- Mother of Good counsel DPCF Saturday group; 2nd runner up- Holy Family English Community
Best Muse: Ma. Theresa Casim / St Joseph Fanling; 1st runner up- Marivic Dolinen / St. Thomas the Apostle/; 2nd runner up- Junelie Basbas / St. Francis English Community
Best in Costume, Zumba- Notre Dame Parish
Best in Costume, Cheer Dance- St. Francis English Community
Special Award- DPCF Sunday Group
