ILOILO City – Japanese athletes from Nippon Sports and Science University are set to showcase their talent in the 1st Mayor Raisa S. Treñas International Women’s Beach Volleyball Tournament slated on August 23 to 24 at the Joe III Garden in Iloilo City.
Headlining the visiting delegation are Maki Yuna, Matsuzaki Ibuki, Taniguchi Kokoro, and Aoki Momone, who will represent Japan in two entries — marking the first time a foreign team will compete in Iloilo’s beach volleyball scene.
Iloilo will also have strong representation through Central Philippine University (CPU), led by Cherry Bagnate and Candice Damacino, and Western Institute of Technology (WIT), which will field Charity Rivera and Kristel Lacaran as their local bets.
Other schools joining the competition include Bacolod, represented by Divine Yanson and Abriel Rouge Alvero; San Beda, bannered by Marielle Teves and Bea Udarbe; National University-A, powered by Kathrina Epa and Honey Grace Cordero; and National University-B, which will parade Kizil Quijote and Liezl Dejan.
University of Santo Tomas (UST), on the other hand, will rely on the duo of Kylem Progella and Sofia Pagara, while De La Salle University-Dasmariñas will feature Janela Berna Sabado and April Rose Tre-inta.
“This is a historic sports event involving a foreign team which will field two entries,” said Gametime Sports founder Rodolfo Go ‘Ka Ruding’ Villaruz in a statement to Panay News.
“We are thankful to the Iloilo City LGU, through the Office of Sports and Youth Development, for partnering with us,” he added.
Villaruz added that the Japanese contingent also expressed excitement with their participation as this is their first time to come to Iloilo City.
“This will be their first time to visit Iloilo and they look forward not only to competition but also to cultural exchange with local athletes and fans,” Villaruz said.
The tournament is among the accredited events for the Iloilo City Charter Day Celebration, underscoring the city’s growing reputation as a hub for sports tourism./PN
