Friday, 16 January 2009 00:10

Thirty-nine and still going

On Sunday, January 11, 2008 the longest running Filipino basketball league in Winnipeg celebrated a new chapter in their organization’s history at the Tec Voc gymnasium with a new division for players 39 years and older.

Known primarily for teams of seven to 15 year-old players, the IKAW league (International Kabayan Association of Winnipeg, formerly the Malagasang & Valour Convenience Store Basketball League) and commissioner Jerry Medina were proud to open their organization to the veteran players in Winnipeg. What makes this newly formed division unique is that the champion team is given an incentive where half of the $900.00 entrance fee is given back as well as one whole lechon, which is provided by the committee.

Jerry Medina Opening day began with a parade of the nine teams in the division. Emcee Ciara Lagunay then handed it over to Councillor Mike Pagtakhan to greet and congratulate the athletes. Cherry-Ann Guevarra and Boy Mariano sang the national anthems of the Philippines and Canada beautifully. Jerry Medina then read the traditional Oath of Sportsmanship as the athletes repeated.

Part of IKAW’s vision is embodied in their slogan, “Being a good sport is better than being good at sports.” By providing this opportunity for the men 39 years and above, they hope to further their vision. After the oath, teams were given slips to find out who played first. One team would have a bye.

IKAW committee members include President and Commissioner, Jerry Medina, Dondy Lagunay, Boy Gali, Nar Isip, Elmer Tolentino, Ding Garcia, Boy Banibo, Milo Peñafrancia, Bong Raphael, Boyet Carungcong, Jojo Lorenzo and Billy Abad.

Before the first game, a panel of special community guests judged a competition for the best uniform and best muse awards, which went to the Joshua Blackjack team (uniform) and 4DBOYS (muse). Shortly after 4DBOYS had to prepare for the division’s inaugural game against Loralee #1.

Meanwhile, IKAW wrapped up the first part of its 17^th season on January 4. The younger teams had been playing at Isaac Brock School on Monday and Friday evenings since October 20, 2008

Congratulations to the league champions: Yellow Lakers (7-9 years old), Black Scorpions (10-12 years old), Red Bulls (13-15 years old) and the runners up: Blue Thunder (7-9 years old), Yellow Tiger (10-12 years old) and Green Magic (13-15 years old).

The Most Valuable Players were: Andre Sansano (7-9), Joseph Medrano (10-12) and Dillon Miranda (13-15).

The Best Guards were: Brandon Tabing (7-9), AJ Fernandez (10-12) and Sani Vallera Jr. (13-15).

Best Forwards: JC Aaron (7-9), Joshua Dalvin (10-12) and Randell Viray (13-15).

Best Centres: Jerome Santoyo (7-9), Alden Sansano (10-12) and Paolo Medina (13-15).

Best Coaches: Arlene Banilbo (7-9), Jovito Simangan (10-12) and Jojo Lorenzo (13-15).


Team Joshua Blackjack wins best uniform	Councillor Mike Pagtakhan with winners of the best muse competition, Super-Aces/4DBOYS

2008-09 Champions (7-9 years old), Yellow Lakers. Back row (l-r): Jerry Medina,
Alden, Bong & Ding. Team (standing l-r): Brandon, Shawn, Andre, JC,
Dondon, Isaiah, Jerome, Theo & Julius. (Front l-r): Jr. & Miguel 2008-09 Champions (10-12 years old), Black Scorpions. Back row (l-r)
Dondy, Jovito & Jerry Medina. Team (standing l-r): Justin, Joshua,
Ralph, Joseph & Alden. (Front l-r): Ralph & BJ

2008-09 Champions (13-15 years old), Red Bulls. (L-r): Ruff, Justin, Jonas, Julius,
Robin, Marco, Dillon & Jerry Medina. (Not in picture: Paolo & Christian.)

Team Guimbanians Team Loralee 1 Team Ciete Pito

Team Loralee 2
Team Tri-M
Team Weston Travel

January 11 results
          Loralee #1 46 vs. 4Dboys: 36
          Weston Travel 50 vs. Ciete Pito 40
          Tri-M Windows 44 vs. JoJo Villanueva’s Team 37
          Joshua Blackjack 108 vs. Guimbanians 106
          Bye – Loralee #2

For more information about the IKAW basketball league, call Jerry Medina at 795-1792

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