Flora holds first-ever Mayor and Vice Mayor basketball league; almost P.1M in prizes to be won

Flora, Apayao- The Local Government Unit of Flora on Saturday, September 7, commenced the first-ever Mayor and Vice Mayor Cup basketball league in town at the Dr. Efren U. De San Jose Memorial Sports Center involving young people under 17 years old.

Said game which fosters youth involvement in sports as well as encouraging healthy living is participated in by players from across the municipality.

The event is the most awaited sports competition in town for its basketball enthusiasts, which is annually conducted, although last year it was only labelled Mayor's league.

Mayor Rodolfo B. Juan and Vice Mayor Jeofrey Blas as staunch supporters of the youth, encouraged all basketball sportspersons to participate in said event.

Sports Committee chair Roy Allan Juan Jr. said 16 teams across all barangays will compete, with over P98,000 cash prizes to be given to winners.

The champion will receive P25,000. First runner-up will be given P15,000, second runner-up of P10,000, third runner-up of P8,000, and consolation prizes amounting to P36,000.

Additionally, cash prizes await for special awards. The best point guard will receive P1,000, best shooting guard of P1,000,best small forward of P1,000, and best power forward of P1,000.

Juan Jr. said the tournament will be round-robin, meaning each competitor plays in turn against every other.

In an interview, Juan Jr., added that the activity is held as means to safeguard the youths from vices, and to bring together potential players, and develop camaraderie and sportsmanship among their fellows.

"Give your best. Showcase your basketball skills. Make your community proud of you. Remember you can't win if you don't play the game as a unit, Teamwork is the key to success in a basketball game," he stressed.

The first game was played between players of Malubibit Sur versus Mallig, followed by Malayugan versus San Jose. Said sports competition will be conducted every Saturday and Sunday, until December 21.

Bagutong is currently the defending champion after its players emerged as the champions, in 2023.