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Sports tournaments hold immense importance for the Filipino community, playing a crucial role in fostering unity, camaraderie, fair play, and the preservation of culture. In Austria, the Philippine Volleyball in Austria (PHIVA) and Philippine Basketball in Austria (PHIBA) initiated Volleyball and Basketball tournaments in Vienna to make sports a unifying force, bringing together Filipinos to celebrate their shared love for sports and their cultural heritage. The games took place on two weekends – June 3.-4. and 17. – 18., 2023 – in the Sporthalle, Florian Hederdorferstrasse 24, 1100 Vienna.
„The volleyball and basketball leagues were introductory leagues for all Filipino-rooted players of different ages after the pandemic. We aim to promote sports, camaraderie and fun to Filipino families in Austria, especially for the youth. We expect more games and leagues in the coming months and years to pursue our objectives in collaboration with other Filipino sports clubs and Filipino Associations in Austria, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Austria,“ Reden Atienza, one of the founders of PHIVA and PHIBA, said.
His co-founder Francis Semana contended that such sports tournaments provide a platform for unity within the Filipino community. When individuals come together to support their favourite teams or athletes, a sense of belonging and collective pride emerges.
„The Volleyball and Basketball tournaments among Filipinos, especially the young ones, hold profound importance for the Filipino community by fostering unity, camaraderie, and fair play. We want to provide opportunities for the youth to form lasting friendships, display good sportsmanship, and showcase their talents,“ Francis Semana said.
„This is a good initiative! It was impossible to stage such a tournament during the past two years because of COVID-19. Now, we can see the eagerness of the athletes to play again. I hope these volleyball and basketball tournaments will promote friendly competition and mutual respect among the players. Such would eventually foster the spirit of sportsmanship and goodwill,“ Consul General Ivan Frank Olea said.
Olea personally awarded medals and trophies to the winners of the tournaments.
The new Philippine Ambassador to Austria, Ambassador Evangeline Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas, opened the games.
“We thank Her Excellency Ambassador Evangelina “Lulli” Lourdes Arroyo Bernas for coming and inspiring all of us with her motivational message ! Maraming salamat din sa lahat na teams na tumalon nang husto para magpakitang-gilas at makipagkaibigan sa bawat isa – merong magkakapamilya, magkakagrupo, pari, organisasyon, baguhan, beterano, magkasintahan, atbp. mula hilaga hanggang timog ng Pilipinas. Maraming salamat din sa mga tagasuporta ng bawat koponan na humiyaw, pumalakpak at tunay na nagbunyi na makita ang manlalaro nila sa una man o maraming pagkakatan,“ Francis Semana and Reden Atienza posted in their PHIVA and PHIBA Facebook walls.
Winner of the Volleyball tournament – Wolverines
Winner of the Basketball tournament – SMDC Dabarkads
- Hector Pascua/pictures: Ivan Frank Olea and Reden Atienza
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