By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Guimaras’ Players’ Center Sports Academy, headed by founder West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) Sports Director Dr. Richard Gabayoyo, successfully launched the province’s first face-to-face basketball event of the year following the return of contact sports under Alert Level 2.
Aspiring Guimarasnon dunkers graced the Cabalagnan National High School at Nueva Valencia, Guimaras which was also attended by several sports aficionados in the one-day sports event hosted by Dr. Gabayoyo.
Joered Sorongon from Barangay Salvacion, Buenavista emerged as the slam dunk king while Jay Gallo from Brgy. Mabini, Buenavista placed second and Vincent Galvan settled for third place.
Sorongon caught the eyes of the judges after dunking over a motorcycle and jumped over a 5’11’’ human obstacle in his winning slam.
The event is also co-presented by the Nueva Valencia municipal government, the Cabalagnan NHS, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Cabalagnan through SK chairman Frank Mitchel Espin.
Dr. Gabayoyo also dedicated the event to two of his mentors: Sports legends Jose “Jobol” Piamonte and Victoriano “Bing” Ledesma.
The sports organization is also extending their thanks to Mr. Loren Gallarda, coach Ignacio Gaquit, pastor Jireh Lumangyao, Reynaldo Osano Jr., Quin Bautista, and Jophil Geonaga.
“Salamat sa tanan nga nagbulig sa akon pra matigayon ang event. The event is my advocacy to promote sports among my fellow Guimarasnons. The Players’ Center Sports Academy is a sports hub that advocate for the betterment of sports,” said Dr. Gabayoyo in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.
