The gym at Riverview Collegiate was filled with cheers as the Filipino Community of Moose Jaw wrapped up its annual Family Day basketball tournament with championship games and awards presentations earlier in February.

The three-day event, held over the Family Day long weekend from Feb. 13 to 15, brought together families, co-workers and friends for a weekend centred on basketball — a sport that tournament organizer Victor Morales previously described as “the number one sport in the Philippines.”

In the men’s division, Simpson Seeds captured the championship title, earning the tournament’s top trophy and year-long bragging rights. Red Hotz secured second place, followed by Care Providers in third. The fourth-place “VIP” award, introduced this year as a lighthearted addition to the standings, was also presented following the championship game.

Individual honours included the “Mythical Five” recognition selected by the basketball committee, a Sportsmanship Award, and separate three-point shooting titles for the men’s and women’s divisions.

The tournament featured teams made up of Filipino co-workers representing local businesses, with some receiving support from employers and community sponsors. Throughout the weekend, families packed the stands, while vendors and local businesses set up booths around the gym.

Morales previously estimated the event drew between 400 and 500 attendees over the course of the weekend, underscoring the continued growth of the annual gathering.

For more information, visit the “Filipino Community of Moose Jaw (FCMJ)” Facebook page.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express