CaLaPuPaTODA (Canumay-Lawang Bato-Punturin-Paso de Blas Tricycle Operator’s and Driver’s Association) prevailed over 26 participating Tricycle Operator’s and Driver’s Associations (TODAs) to become the undisputed champion of the 8th Mayor WIN Inter--TODA Basketball Tournament.
The Bahayang Pag-asa Covered Court in Barangay Maysan turned into battlefield for CaLaPuPaTODA and VRLTODA (Veinte Reales, Rincon, Lingunan TODA) teams who were in head-to-head combat to bag the much-coveted championship trophy. With the final score of 99-89, CaLaPuPaTODA made use of their association’s unquestionable coordination and teamwork as a weapon against the equally strong opposing team.
Now on its eight year, the Tournament aims to promote sportsmanship and healthy camaraderie among Valenzuelano Tricycle drivers and association. “Higit pa roon, ito rin ang paraan para mabigyan natin ng break sa trabaho ang mga kasama nating mga TODA sa araw-araw nilang trabaho bilang mga tagapagsilbi sa mga mamayan. (More than that, this is also a way of giving our dear TODAs their much deserved break from the daily tiring work as service providers to the people.)” City Mayor WIN Gatchalian said in a statement.
SanPaTODA (Santolan, Parada TODA) landed on the 3rd spot after beating KPMTODA (Karuhatan, Padrigal, Maysan TODA) with a 17-point lead exerted at the final quarter, scoring 83 against 66.
This year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Ricky Montemayor of CaLaPuPaTODA, while his teammate, Ferdie Casimiro bagged one of the Mythical Five medals, along with, Mac-Mac Bitoin (VRLTODA), Mark Anthony Zacarias (SanPaTODA) and Eugene Bernardo (KPMTODA).
The champion received a plaque and a cash prize of PhP 10,000, the second placer received a plaque and a cash prize of PhP 7,000, the third place received a plaque and a cash prize of PhP 5,000, and the fourth place received a plaque and a cash prize of PhP 3,000 from Mayor WIN and 1st District Representative Congressman REX Gatchalian.
The tournament is organized annually by the City Sports Development Office under its Officer-in-Charge, 1st District Councilor Gerry Esplana.