Inmates inside the Cebu City Jail got to enjoy a pocket futsal tournament organized by jail officials and sponsored by Cebuano sportsman Voltaire Montebon.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Jail Male Dormitory successfully organized its first futsal tournament inside the correctional facility in Barangay Kalunasan here, last Wednesday, July 21.
What was initially a simple request from several Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) inside the city’s penal facility to Cebuano sportsman Voltaire Montebon to provide them futsal equipment, has turned into a full-blown tournament.
The tournament was participated by six teams and was organized by Jail Superintendent Jose Rusylvi Abueva.
Montebon, who initiated the charitable cause last March cannot hide his gratitude to the officials of the Cebu City Jail for giving the PDLs a chance to play their favorite sport.
Montebon, through his group, the VDM Sports Foundation, donated a set of futsal equipment, jerseys, and practice cones last March to boost the facility’s rehabilitation program through sports.
The pocket tournament was part of the jail facility’s rehabilitation program.
According to Montebon, who is the team captain of Hiroshi Football Cup and a triathlete, he did not expect that his small act of kindness has resulted in a more meaningful and bigger outcome.
“Lipay kaayo ta sa atong jail warden ug staff nga naninguha sad sila nga madayon jud ni ang tournament. Ma inspire sad ang uban ani nga mo duwa ug maka amgo ug hope nga naa pa jud diay kausaban sulod sa prisohan,” Montebon told CDN Digital.
He also congratulated the Cebu City Jail officers for their efforts in organizing the futsal competition. For Montebon, it means a lot to him since he also wants to change the public’s impression of inmates.
For him, they are still humans who deserve a second chance to change, and one way to do that is through sports.
“Bilib kaayo ko nila sa pag organize ani nga tournament. Akong masulti lang kay grabe akong appreciation sa ilang effort. Part mana ang sports sa sulod para ma rehab sila. Gisulod na sila diha para mag-usab, busa tabangan nato sila mag usab para naa pa silay chance sa ilahang kinabuhi,” added Montebon.
The teams were provided uniforms in partnership with Mixmax Event Solutions.
To inspire the six competing teams, former Philippine Azkals team captain Chieffy Caligdong, former Azkals member Ref Cuaresma, Montebon and Kaya FC head coach Oliver Colina gave a virtual message during the opening ceremonies.
In the end, the Green team emerged champion after beating the Purple team, 9-3, in the championship match.
Montebon is hoping that the tournament will be sustained and grow bigger. /rcg
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