Victorias City officially launched the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-21 (U21) National Volleyball Championships Western Visayas Finals with a vibrant and heartwarming Fellowship Night at the Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Arts and Cultural Center on December 16. This marks the beginning of the regional competition, which will run from December 16 to 20, 2024.
The city partnered with PNVF and the Volleyball Association of Negros Island, Inc. (VANI) to host this prestigious event, aimed at identifying potential members for the national volleyball team.
A total of nine teams are competing in the U21 Western Visayas Finals: the Men’s Team from Team Akone (Aklan), Teams Loyal and One Silay (Silay City), Team Antique, Team Inabuyan VVF (Valladolid), and Team Victorias, alongside Women’s Teams from St. John’s Institute (SJI-Bacolod), Northwestern Aklan, and Victorias City.
In his video message, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez expressed gratitude to PNVF and VANI for selecting Victorias City as the host of this esteemed event, emphasizing the city's growing reputation as a sports tourism hub in the province. “It is a great honor to be part of this prestigious sporting event and the vibrant volleyball community in our country,” Mayor Javi said.
The Fellowship Night was attended by key figures, including VANI President Carmela Arcolas-Gamboa, Men's National Team Manager Jerome Guhit, and Asst. Coach for Alas Pilipinas Women’s Team, Coach Ronwald "Jumbo" Dimaculangan. Dimaculangan praised Victorias City for its exceptional preparations and warm welcome, noting that the level of organization was unparalleled compared to other regional finals he had attended. He expressed that this was the first time he had witnessed such thorough and thoughtful preparations, highlighting how Victorias City's commitment to a seamless and welcoming event stood out.
The event also featured the Oath of Sportsmanship, led by Antonella Jayobo of SJI-Bacolod, and the Ceremonial Lighting of the Volleyball Cup by City Councilors Hermie Millan, Teresita Bartolome, and SK Federation President Trisha Mae Majan. Prior to the Fellowship Night, coaches participated in a Refresher Course and Seminar on the rules and regulations of the competition.
The evening was filled with a lively atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship, as Javi’s Band captivated the audience with a live performance. The performance not only entertained but also brought everyone together, with some participants singing along with the band, further strengthening the bonds between players, coaches, and officials and creating lasting memories of unity beyond the competition.
Liga ng mga Barangay President Eric Alcobilla, City Administrator Atty. Lindolf De Castro, and various city department heads were also in attendance.
The successful opening of the PNVF U21 National Volleyball Championships Western Visayas Finals in Victorias City set the stage for an exciting and memorable competition, showcasing the city’s growing prominence in the sports tourism industry and its commitment to fostering unity through sports.