Thousands gather for INC Unity Games

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Thousands of brethren from the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) recently gathered at the Pampanga Sports Complex in this city for the elimination round of the Church’s Central Luzon leg of the Unity Games 2013.

According to Brethren Joel Mapiles, who is also Capitol’s Provincial Information Officer, the 2013 Unity Games is a multi-sport and multi-region event and the largest athletic competition hosted for members of the INC.

Now on its 3rd year, it is being held nationwide in 19 regional venues with 94 participating districts.

“The main objective of the INC Unity Games is to foster camaraderie among the brethren through sports. It is a reunion of the various Ecclesial Districts in the country, and for Central Luzon, Pampanga hosted the elimination round,” he said.

Mapiles disclosed that the multi-district and multi-sport event -- which includes badminton, basketball, bowling, chess, table tennis, tennis, track and field, volleyball and a 3K Fun Run, among others -- was conceived by the Church’s Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, as a way of bringing together members of the Church in friendly athletic competition with emphasis on sports development through discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance.

He added that the Unity Games particularly aims to foster the biblical teachings of brotherly love and unity among members of the Church of Christ.

“Next year in July, brethren from the country and various parts of the world like the US will gather for the grand Unity Games at the Philippine Arena in celebration of the Church’s Centennial Anniversary. It will be a grand reunion of sorts,” quipped Mapiles.

The inaugural Unity Games was held on May 21 and 28, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, with athletes coming from the five ecclesiastical districts of Metro Manila. (Jovi T. De Leon)