City of Brooks’ Inaugural Sportsfest 2024

By: Pinoy Hour/Jonn Baysa

Competition brewed up in Brooks over the weekend as the Brooks Filipino Community Association (BFCA) hosted their first ever Sportsfest with the event being a volleyball & basketball tournament.

The JBS Canada Center was the arena that held an abundance of teams from various towns and cities ranging all the way from Northern to Southern Alberta during both July 27th and 28th. The first day was a round robin with teams going head to head against each other at least once as friendly competition before the postseason tourney. Second day was the playoffs with each game having more importance as it determined who left the sports facility with the gold medal and trophy. Food and refreshments were present throughout the event in courtesy of the BFCA. The reactions by the vast majority of spectators were ecstatic from start to finish during both days and are ready to have their next Sportsfest to start. The Unity and the community spirit really shined as the event concluded on Sunday.

Ms. Emelcris Aurelio, The President of BFCA and the person who spearheaded the event was grateful for the overwhelming support by the community members, teams, and officers who participated during the games. “We thank everyone and the teams that participated in our first ever Filipino Sportsfest, we really thank all the volunteers from the officers, to all the community members that came here today to be with us and of course all the teams. The twenty three teams that came over and made this activity a success” With the event concluded along the successful outcome, the association as a whole are going to utilize this as their major stepping stone to producing more events similar to the aforementioned Sportsfest and to learn different methods to improve from it for the next coming year. Also present in the event is the Filipino Association of Lethbridge Alberta President and AFCLA/G10 officer Mr. Vic Lester Visitacion. Showing support to a fellow cross city neighbor, making his presence known by taking Photos and doing some Live social media coverage. Six teams competed in the Open Basketball Tourney with The L3J Calgary team taking the Men’s Championship from Lethbridge’s Basketbolista.

While the women’s Over 30 Pool had three teams in their Volleyball bracket. Blend Squad from both Lethbridge/Taber secured the championship from the city host team, Brooks’ Sweet Digs. The Men’s Volleyball open pool had 6 teams in the division with Edmonton’s JEPHASA acquiring the championship place trophy with the runner up being Edmonton’s Rizzly Bears grabbing 1st place. The crowd favourite Women’s Under 30 open pool had 5 teams contending for the championship. The city host & undefeated team, A New Aim Brooks, claimed their victory and the gold medal from The Lethbridge Volleyball League 2024 Champions, Phoenix Taber. Concluding the night on a high note.