GAY power takes centerstage as Sports Core presents the 1st Quezon City Pride Volleyball Cup this weekend at the Amoranto Stadium.
A total of 12 teams of the strongest volleyball players from the LGBT community will display their skills in this two-day event which aims to promote gender equality in sports.
Councilor Mayen Juico, chairman of Quezon City's committee on women, family relations and gender equality, said they are looking forward to a highly-successful event, especially with a lot of members of the LGBT community expressing interest to compete for pride, glory and prestige.
"Since Quezon City is the only LGU (local government unit) which has a committee focused on gender equality, we realized that it's only fitting to join hands with Sports Core in organizing a tournament like this," Juico said.
"We're looking forward to a very successful and fun-filled event. I'm sure everybody will enjoy."
Sports Core president Ramon 'Tats' Suzara, who is also the president of the the Philippine Superliga, said the 12 teams will be divided into two groups that will compete in a single-round pool play on Saturday.
The survivors in the pool play will clash in a knockout semifinals and the finals on Sunday.
"This event is the first of its kind in the Philippines," said Suzara. "This is in line with the league's commitment to promote gender equality because volleyball is for everybody to enjoy regardless of one's age, race or sexual preference."
Sports Core chairman Philip Ella Juico added that by organizing a tournament like this, they are kicking the doors of volleyball wide open for members of the LGBT community while widening the fan base of the PSL.
"We are all equal," he said. "We should always remember that the beautiful game of volleyball is for all and not just for a select few. We will not be surprised if this event evolves into a more serious, annual tournament in the future."
Expected to compete are Team Braganza, Competitive Volleyball Group, Sesahood, IEM A and IEM B.
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