First Governor's Cup Grappling Competition Growls for Sportsmanship, Wellbeing
By: Camille R. Bumatay, PIO | Photos By: Jap Pulido, PIO and Rowell Timoteo, LEEIPU-PESO | Date: March 19, 2023
Fighters in fiery eyes with all guards up and no room for tap out, the first Governor's Cup: Grappling wowed spectators as 118 grapplers take on the challenge to be title champs on March 19, 2023 at the CSI the City Mall, City of San Fernando, La Union.
After a total of 108 matches across 21 categories, Team Lakay Central Gym bagged the Overall Champion with three gold, three silver and three bronze medals; DEFTAC La Union as First Runner-up with three gold and one silver medals; and Matzone as Second Runner-up with three gold and one bronze medals.
Team La Union composed of six teams including Team Corrales of Santol; Team San Gebu of San Gabriel; Agoo Grapplers Club; Tong il Modo of Bauang; Team Lakay San Fernando; and DEFTAC La Union of San Juan have secured a total of 19 medals.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David expressed her support to all athletes as she stated, "Ang nag-aalab na pagmamahal ninyo sa inyong discipline ang nagbibigay inspirasyon sa mga nakakapanood sainyo, lalo na sa mga mas bata at nagsisimula pa lang. I hope that you all serve as role models for the younger generation of athletes, inspiring them to pursue their passions and never give up."
Gold medalist on Senior Female 51-57kg Category Jheykye Aguinoas of Team Lakay San Fernando shared how the contact sport helped her, "Every after fight, may nabubuong friendship...Discipline ang naitulong sa akin ng grappling, nagfofocus ka sa kung anong makakatulong sa'yo."
Jheykye is one of the 17 female fighters who joined the event and showcased that grappling can be dominated by women too.
As part of the celebration of #AyatFest2023 The 173rd La Union Founding Anniversary, the Grappling Cup aims to promote health and wellness while showcasing sportsmanship and camaraderie, as well as discipline.
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