Solidarity Cup ends in a tie

PENAMPANG – This year, the Solidarity Cup football tournament ended in a tie between Holy Nativity Terawi and St Catherine Inanam.  The tournament took place on 25 Jan 2016 at the Penampang Stadium.  It was the first time in its history to end in a tie.  Second place went to Team NInavau Limbahau while the third place was left vacant.

Solidarity Cup originated in 2007 as “Fr Bruno  Cup,” then “Coadjutor Cup,” and subsequently renamed as “Solidarity Cup.”  It was first a tournament between Holy Rosary Limbahau/St Joseph Papar against the priests/seminarians.  But now it is open to all parishes.  This year’s event was hosted by the cathedral parish.

In his opening remarks, Archbishop John Wong encouraged all players to see the game as a way of fostering a stronger bond of unity among the parishes and not so much as a competition.  Furthermore, being Christian Unity Week, he also asked those present to pray for unity of Christians in the world.

A total of 24 teams took part in the tournament.  They were divided into six groups and the matches were played simultaneously on the three main fields.  The games kicked off at around 8:30 am with a match between the clergy team, Alter Christus, and the 2015 champion Holy Nativity Terawi, followed by the other matches.

Many supporters came to cheer their teams.  Some even stayed throughout the entire games and to watch the final watch between Terawi and Inanam around 7 pm.  Unfortunately, the match had to be called off because the stadium was not equipped with the necessary spotlights as it had already turned dark.  Because of this, it was agreed by the organisers that the two teams would be awarded as co-champions for this year.

A barbecue dinner was held after the final game at the swimming poolside.  The winning teams were presented with their trophies by the archbishop, who later drew lot for the next host, witnessed by the captains of the 24 teams.  Holy Trinity Inobong was picked to host the Solidarity Cup 2017. – Deacon Joshua Liew