(Eagle News) — The Iglesia Ni Cristo started early Saturday, July 25, the first-ever international championships of the UNITY GAMES International, marking the first activity of the Centennial closing ceremonies of the Church.
With some 2,000 athletes from all over the world participating in the two-day event, the international games celebrate the INC’s solidarity through sports. The 12 sports events include basketball, football, volleyball, badminton, bowling, chess, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis, track and field, baseball and taekwondo.
The venues of the events are in the Cuneta Astrodome, Malolos KB Gym, Cuneta Astrodome, SanAndres Gym, ULTRA Sports Complex, San Juan Gym, College of Evangelical Ministry gym, New Era University Gym, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, SM North, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Bulacan Sports Complex and the Philippine Sports Stadium.
Aside from the Philippine teams, sports teams from USA, Canada, Italy, Germany, Africa, Australia, Japan, China, and other countries will be taking part in this brotherly sports competition for INC members.
Athletes expressed excitement about the events since for all of them, this will be the first time that they flew to the Philippines to participate in the international sports competitions.
They said that they are happy that they were able to participate in the games and expressed their solidarity with the INC Church Administration.
Launched in 2011, the INC Unity Games was conceived by INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, “to nurture the love of the brethren for one another and further solidify their unity” through sports. Under the supervision of the Christian Family Organizations Committee led by Brother Angelo V. Manalo, the Unity Games has grown to become one of the biggest multi-sport leagues in the country.
