THE third and final leg of this year’s Indigenous Peoples Games is set for October 26 at the Acharon Sports Complex in General Santos City (GenSan), with eight-division world boxing champion and former Senator Manny Pacquiao gracing the event.
Members from the Indigenous peoples communities within the province of Sarangani and GenSan will gather in a two-day tilt showcasing 10 traditional sports namely Gamti (Pana), Fire Making, Kasing (Trompo), Skuya (Takbo), Kadang Kadang, Kmahung (Swimming Relay), Tug of War, Bangkaw (Spear Throw), Bayo sa Palay and Sudol.
Sarangani’s municipalities such as Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan, Malungon, and the host General Santos City will compose the lineup of delegations.
Pacquiao will be joined by his brother and Sarangani Governor Rogelio, and GenSan Mayor Lorelie will welcome the delegates and officials from the Philippine Sports Commission led by Comm. Matthew ‘Fritz’ Gaston, the assigned commissioner for the project, and Comm. Walter Francis Torres during its opening ceremony.
“We are certainly heartened by the all-out support of local people and officials for this event, that achieving our objective of promoting the traditional games of our indigenous people becomes easier,” said Comm. Gaston.
The IP Games – Mindanao will serve as the final leg of the IP Games this year, following the successful Visayas leg in Bago City, Negros Occidental last month.
The PSC has been organizing the IP Games since 2018 following the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s appeal for the preservation of the world's cultural heritage.
Also present in the opening program is National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las.
