Gaisano 3x3 Challenge ends

THE three-day Gaisano Mall 3x3 Challenge, the mall's seventh year of hosting the sport, has ended yesterday.

This year's edition was considered the biggest and most successful as the participants underscored their great experience during the competition.

Emmanuel Lyndon Roble, 15-year-old team captain of Stella Maris Academy of Davao who led the PRAG towards the semifinals in the boys' junior division yesterday, said "Magandang experience kasi maraming nanonood tapos merong challenge tsaka ma showcase namin yung skills namin (Great experience because there were a lot of viewers and there were challenges and besides, we can showcase our skills)."

Roble added that his experience helped him improve some of his skills especially in communication with his teammates.

Ralph Montilla Deligero, 20, who came all the way from Mati City, said the competition was tough but they are happy to experience playing 3x3 in Davao City.

"Dili siya basta basta. Although gwapo ang pag disseminate sa schedule, nice ang venue naa lang konting delay sa pag distribute sa jersey sa uban (Although the dissemination of the schedule was great and the venue was nice, there is only one setback as there is a delay in the distribution of jersey)," he elaborated.

Mati City fought for a slot in the semifinals in the senior's division as of this writing.

Meanwhile, Gaisano Mall marketing associate Sergs Remarca, in a separate interview with Sun. Star Davao on the sidelines of the event yesterday, said the Gaisano Mall management would want to be known for having a strong foundation for sports.

"On the marketing side of the mall, we would also want the mall goers to experience and witness our showcase of events especially in sports," he added.

A total of 113 teams registered for the 3x3.

The open division generated 26 teams while the senior's division gathered 48 teams.

The biggest entry was in the junior's division with 56 teams.

"Compared to the previous events, this is much better," Remarca said.

He continued, "In behalf of the Gaisano Mall marketing office, we would like to thank the organizer, Vantage Sports represented by Kenneth Sai, the officiating team Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Bureau of Fire Protection for being our official medic, the participating teams, coaches and parents and to all who watched the game." ABM