JEDDAH: Pantao-a-Ragat emerged overall champion in the OFWs Jeddah annual mini-Olympics organized jointly by the United Bangsaranao Council (UBC) and Ranao Divers Club (RDC) at Obhur Bohayrat seashore during the Eid holidays.
Marawinians grabbed the first runner-up trophy.
Alinasser Radiamoda, UBC overall chairperson, said that 13 teams representing various municipalities in the two Lanaos took part in the three-day meet that featured traditional events.
The sportsfest formed part of the Bangsa Ranao celebration of Eid Al Fitr. A large number of various Maranao communities across the Kingdom attended the affair.
Visiting Lanao Del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Alonto, here for Umrah along with a number of Filipino Muslim leaders, was the sponsor of the event.
Former Philippine Embassy in Riyadh Attaché Accas Bayabaw and Sultan, Topaan Disomimba of Masiu, who is also municipal mayor of Tamparan in Lanao Del Sur, were among those that accompanied Alonto.
Alonto also inducted into office the new set of UBC officers for the year 2009 and 2010, headed by Radiamoda as the new “Sheikh” which is the title bestowed on a chairman by the group for its leader.
In his speech, Alonto said he was happy to see the spirit of camaraderie among Maranao OFWs here while being away from their country. “This is very commendable activity of yours that allow each other to interact with one another,” he said, adding that the move certainly promotes and revives closeness among OFWs and thus you deserve our support.
The day and night mini-Olympics featured competitions in volleyball, tug-of-war, track and field, sack race, and soccer in the daytime, while the night session was devoted to chess and parlor games such as scrabble, trump, blindfold game, and trip to Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, former UBC chairman and adviser Mohammad Albani Maungco lauded the successful staging of the event that underscored the ties that bind the
Maranao communities in the western region irrespective of their affiliation.
This year marked the return of the activity from a two-year suspension thanks to the hard work and dedication of the advisers and the UBC and RDC officials.
The other UBC officers besides Radiomoda are Soller Garlan, secretary-general; Taha Rascal, treasurer; Ansary Dara, auditor; Abdul Malik Tagoranao, PRO, and Mosama Guntin, sports chairman.
