By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
West Visayas State University’s Sports Director Dr. Richard Gabayoyo continues to inspire the young athletes of Guimaras despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his birthday, Dr. Gabayoyo gave back to the Guimarasnon basketball players by conducting a Freestyle Basketball Tournament.
“This is my birthday dedication to all Guimarasnons nga patiently nagahulat na maka balik sa court kag maka hampang. I know COVID-19 stopped us from our passion sa sports pero we will still find ways pra mabuligan ang mga Guimarasnon nga makabangon sa aspeto sang sports,” Dr. Gabayoyo said in an interview with the Daily Guardian.
Two talented freestylers from Buenavista and one from Jordan made it to the top three and will be awarded by the Players Center Sports Academy sports organization founded by Dr. Gabayoyo.
John Corban Infante grabbed the third place, Carl Bryan Damaso the second place while John Carlo Dofitas was hailed as the competition’s champion.
Dofitas wowed online viewers after putting up his dribbling skills with a tennis ball in his off-hand while ending the show with his two-ball dribble coordination showcase.
The judges of the competition were Manuel “Bap” Gargalicana, Reuel Epelipcia, and Ernesto Calaguing.