User:Phoete/sandbox

INC Unity Games ...

The Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo have always wanted to bring the members of the Church together in one friendly athletic competition, thus, different sports activities are being held in various places in the Philippines and other countries to achieve this objective. This has come to the creation of the INC Unity Games--the largest athletic competition, patterned from Olympic Games, where different sports are held joined by athletes from different ecclesiastical districts. It intends to develop discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance; moreover, aims to promote the biblical teachings of brotherly love and unity among members of the Church.

The inauguration of INC Unity Games was held on May 21 and 28, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila, Philippines. Thousands of delegates came in from the five ecclesiastical districts of Metro Manila (North, East, South, Central, and West) wearing T-shirts of colors yellow, green, white, red, and blue respectively signifying their districts. It kicked-off with a 3K Unity Fun Run that commenced from the Quirino Grandstand to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex oval.

The sports events held were basketball, volleyball, badminton, lawn tennis, table tennis, bowling, chess, and track and field. Every event has three divisions each for men and women: Buklod (united) composed of the married members, KADIWA (Kabataang may Diwang Wagas [Youth of Noble Intent]) composed of unmarried members 18 years and older, and Binhi (bud) composed of youth members 12 to 17 years old.

The second INC Unity Games has started in January 2012, expanding its events with the inclusion of football, softball, swimming, scrabble, games of the generals, and addition of shot put, long jump, and high jump for track and field. The finale will be held on May 19 and 26, 2012 setting off with a 5K Unity Fun Run. With the Church Administration's vision to bring the event to a national (and international) level, the Unity Games 2012 is now joined by 5 ecclesiastical districts of Metro Manila and additional 11 ecclesiastical districts from the nearby provinces: Bulacan North, Bulacan South, Pampanga, Cavite, Tarlac North, Tarlac South, Rizal, Nueva Ecija North, and Nueva Ecija South.