LAC LA BICHE - The athletic abilities and culture of Lac La Biche’s Filipino community were showcased recently during the Filipino Sports Fest.
On Aug. 9, basketball, badminton, volleyball, and pickleball teams participated in friendly games inside both Bold Centre fieldhouses. While the teams of each respective sport had the same names, they were differentiated by the jerseys they wore.
The following day, members of the local Filipino community gathered in McArthur Park for an afternoon of socialization and fun that included singing, traditional food, along with the chance to play Sipa.
Sipa, a traditional game from the Philippines, involves players working fast to keep a weighted bundle of feathers or a rattan ball from falling to the ground. Knees, elbows, and feet are used in the game.
The two-day event was organized by the Filipino Canadian Association of Lac La Biche.
According to Mercy Carcido, president of the Filipino Canadian Association of Lac La Biche, the organization decided to put on the festivities to celebrate Filipino sportsmanship and culture, and to bring the community together.
“We’re excited to have this first event . . . Our community has been waiting for this for a long, long time,” Carcido said.
