Minda leg kicks off at Paradise

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

THE country's premier beach volleyball event kicks off its Mindanao leg elimination today, Thursday, at the world-class Paradise Park and Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal.

A total of 24 teams from all over the region will vie for slots in the Boracay national finals that offers huge cash prizes for the winners.

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Multi-titled University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum is bannered by power spikers Lourdilyn Catubag and Karen Kay Quilario in the women's event with veteran coach Pedrito Manulat at the helm. The Adrian Beneth Jayectin-coached men's team is composed of Daryl Kim Lapiz and Jefty Amora.

Highly touted Mindanao State University (MSU) of Tawi-Tawi, meanwhile, parades the services of male players Roldan Medino Jr. and Imbran Idris along with lady bets Kweenafenur Mohammad-Ali and Rubina Salasain.

Others seeing action in the three-day event are teams from Mahardika Institute of Technology of Tawi Tawi, Xavier University of Cagayan de Oro City, UM Davao, Holy Cross of Davao College, Ateneo de Davao University, Cor Jesu College of Digos City, Emar Human and Environmental College, Iligan Medical Center College, DMMA College of Southern Philippines, Philippine Women's College, Jose Maria College and Mats College of Technology.

A parade of colors will usher in the brief opening rites where Igacos Mayor Aniano Antalan and Department of Tourism regional director Arturo Boncato are expected guests.

FIVB rules will govern the double-round elimination format tournament where only the top three men's and women's teams will advance to an all-expense-paid trip to nationals slated April 19 to 21.

Cash prizes of P100,000, P65,000, P35,000 and P22,500 will be awarded to the top four placers in both divisions.

Games in the Mindanao leg, organized by Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotions, will be played from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A mini Frisbee tournament, featuring the region's top Frisbee teams, will be among the side events of the regional leg.

Teachers of participating teams, meanwhile, may avail of free entrance at PIPBR while students may get 50 percent discount on entrance fee.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 23, 2012.