JEDDAH, 28 December — Fresh from its successful campaign in the recently concluded basketball tournament, the team of Malabang Islamic Cooperative (Micoop-Malabang) flexed its muscles in the two days festivities marking the end of holy month of Ramadan held at Obhur north corniche.
The Eid Al-Fitr celebration dubbed as "4th Ranao Mini-Olympic" was organized by Ranao Divers Club (RDC) headed by Datu Usman Ismael in coordination of Ranao Professional Association (RPA). The annual event which is in its fourth seasons is unique and the only one of its kind in the Kingdom, in terms of attendance, unparalleled success and truly a Maranao-affair in its best.
The RDC-RPA, the organizer of the affair brought together 11 participating teams representing the different areas of two Muslim-dominated provinces of Lanao and the Islamic City of Marawi. Those who clashed for the honors are: 1. Baloi-Nangka, 2. Bayang-Diwan, 3. Binidayan, 4. Ewaton-Maisa, 5. Guide-Ganassi, 6. Malumbay International, 7. Marantao, 8. Marawi Starter, 9. Micoop-Malabang, 10. Saguiaran International and 11. Shakba International.
This year event involves five main disciplines, such as: 100-meter dash run, volleyball, tug-of-war, a local game called "Kangalawanga or Patintero" and the super game — Tricathlon relays consisting of three stages — 1) Wading through a chest-deep sea water with combined distance of 300 meter from the coastline 2) Hauling a minimum 60 kg person in a distance of 100 meter and 3) Sack-race with 50 meter distance to the finish line. To further spice up the occasion and for the families and visitors to enjoy the night, the organizer includes a lively question and answer portion concerning Islamic teaching and values, parlor games and an ethnic program called "Kalilang" using indigenous musical instruments.
Sending a modest but competitive delegation to the Eid Al-Fitr feast composed mainly of its basketball players and residents, Micoop-Malabang paraded a simple but presentable outfit with its signature color of maroon-white with blue stripe. Although it failed to figure in the race for overall championship, Micoop-Malabang prominently displayed its stuff in all category as it was able to entered the semifinal round in tug-of-war, Kangalawanga, volleyball and 100 meter dash. With Banjo Sumampao, Barry Nader, Pango Balindong and Amir Saripada conspiring and joint strength, Micoop-Malabang captured the 1st place for Tricathlon behind the champions Binidayan.
Anchoring for Micoop-Malabang for tug-of war, the bone-breaking and most excited game of the tournament are Abdullah Abet Acob, Sammy Tomalondog, Bani Dipatuan, Exan Dimaronsing, Allan Mama and Rasul Hadji Manan. In the end, Guide-Ganassi proudly hoisted for the third consecutive time the championship for tug-of-war. In the ensuing games, Barry Nader shown his versatility as it combined his skill with Bani Dipatuan, Marlon Cosain, Abet and Lannier Acob, Sammy Tomalondog in the volleyball, and with Sinoden Acob, Nasroden Alando and Amir Saripada in the "Kangalawanga".
The tournament overall champions was awarded to Baloi-Nangka.
Completing the cast of Micoop-Malabang who contributed for the respectable finish of the team are: Gamal Marohombsar and wife Shaima, Abe Sarip and wife Imah, Marlon Cosain and wife Fatimah, Pango Balindong and wife Noraida, Cairoden Dimasar, Abdullah Acob, Barry Nader, Bani Dipatuan, Sammy Tomalondog, Khalil Tempo, Lannier Acob, Sinoden Acob, Amir Saripada, Nasroden Alando, Mansawi Lala, Allan Mama, Hassan Imam, Rasul Hadji Manan and Khalid Sarip.Contributed by: Cair Dimasar, Abe Sarip & Marlon Cosain.
