10 October 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex V. Lamadrid attended the opening of the Sportsfest 2014 of the Pusong Pinoy Association (PPA), which was held at the National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria on October 5.
In his message to the various teams attired in the colors of the Philippine flag, i.e. yellow, white, blue and red, Ambassador Lamadrid congratulated PPA for holding this year’s edition of the Filipino community sportsfest, adding that it was one of the most effective ways of cultivating the spirit of sportsmanship among Filipinos, promoting good health, and resulting in camaraderie and closer relations between the PPA members. He also reminded the members of the Filipino community to remain vigilant against prevailing threats to their health, such as the Ebola virus in West Africa, and common diseases like malaria. Ambassador Lamadrid also invited the Filipino community members to register as overseas voters at the Philippine Embassy in Abuja. For groups which can not find the time to go to the Philippine Embassy during regular office hours, Ambassador Lamadrid offered to organize on-site overseas voters registration for the Filipinos either in their work places or living quarters.
The opening of the PPA Sportsfest 2014 commenced with the singing of the Philippine and Nigerian anthems, and featured the parade of the competing teams each attired in their particular color of yellow, white, blue and red. After the opening prayer led by PPA Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) Mrs. Lolita Victorio, the Philippine Ambassador and the Chairman of the BOT delivered their welcome remarks, followed by the reciting of the oath of sportsmanship, the pinning of the sash on the muse of each team, and culminating in a cheerleading competition among the teams.
Ambassador Lamadrid officiated in the ceremonial ball toss marking the start of the first basketball game.
The PPA Sportsfest features a variety of team and individual sports such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, and track and field events. The Sportsfest is being held throughout the month of October in various venues in Abuja, including the Dantata and Sawoe Life Camp and Nigerian Turkish Nile University. The awards ceremony will be held on the last week of October.
The Sportsfest affords the members of the Pusong Pinoy Association, the largest Filipino community organization in Abuja, the opportunity not only to enjoy themselves in healthy and friendly competition during the various sports events, but also the chance to partake of the taste of home-cooked Filipino food offered by entrepreneurial Pinoys such as goto, pansit, halo-halo, dinuguan, barbeque, and other Filipino delicacies. END