“WIN with humility. Lose with grace. And above all, build memories and friendships.”
That in essence encapsulated the message of Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) national president Allan Panolong during the opening ceremony of the first ever IBP National Games to be held October 8 to 11 here in the city.
“It is a monumental honor to open the Games here. We gather not just as lawyers and officers of the court but as athletes and teammates bound by passion,” Panolong, who hails from nearby Marawi City, said.
Taking note of the theme Igniting the Flame of Justice, Panolong said the Games is meant to ignite the lawyers on the basketball court, soccer field, chess board and “sparkles in every arena of friendly competition.”
Panolong said the National Games was intentionally held separate from the annual IBP National Convention for the lawyers to focus on their well-being and not be burdened by the seminars in the convention which are mandatory to their continuing professional development.
As the nation observes mental health awareness month, Panolong noted that the holding of the Games in October is all the more relevant.
“This is a much needed reset button for our fellow lawyers – on their mental health, wellness and holistic well being. The practice of law is notoriously demanding. We carry the problems of our clients,” he said.
At the same time, Panolong said the National Games is also the venue where the lawyers could express the values of fairness, discipline and excellence not just in the courtrooms but in the athletic endeavor.
“Play with heart. Compete with dignity. And embody the highest ideals of sportsmanship,” Panolong told the 1,300 lawyers present during the opening ceremony October 8 at Limketkai Atrium.
The Games is composed of the following sports: basketball, volleyball, football, golf, bowling, chess, pickleball, tennis and badminton spread in venues throughout the city. SCREEN CAPTURE COURTESY OF IBP
