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Sports enthusiasts from the ecclesiastical districts of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) in Europe, namely, Britain North, Britain South, Central Europe, Ireland, Italy North, Italy South, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Spain, and Western Europe, as well as their supporters, gathered at Barcelona, Spain, for their continental INC Unity Games on May 3 and 4, 2025.
Supervising ministers of the said districts were all present in this big event, which was “historical in such a sense that it’s the first ever activity participated in by all districts in Europe, also a first for Spain District to host since its becoming a district,” said Spain District supervising minister Brother Froilan Enriquez Jr.
Participants first flocked to Barcelona house of worship, with the Institut Nacional d’Educació Fisica de Catalunya (INEFC) main auditorium hall serving as an overflow as there were almost 2,000 attendees. There, they attended a special gathering that was officiated at by Brother Robert Pellien, minister of the gospel sent by the Church Administration. As worshiping God is their raison d’être (reason for being), such blessed occasion is the highlight of this two-day sporting event.
In his Bible-based preaching, Brother Pellien reminded the brethren of the importance of upholding unity and love of brotherhood, that is, to glorify God and be worthy of His safekeeping, among other blessings.
“This special gathering is timely, especially for the youth, as we heed the Church Administration’s call to watch over the brethren as the world continues deteriorating,” said Western Europe District supervising minister Brother Marvin Adriano.
Later that day, the brethren proceeded to Estadi Municipal Joan Serrahima (Joan Serrahima Municipal Stadium). Commencing the event were the parade of colors and a prayer, then the opening remarks by Ireland District supervising minister Brother Pepito Acuesta; Western Europe District Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer Brother Christian Celestino led the players’ oath of sportsmanship.
As prepared as the players aimed at winning, talented brethren from Spain District showcased their cheerdance and flag performance, followed by two song numbers titled “Blessings Abound” of Western Europe District and “People Of God Give Him Glory” of Mediterranean District. Then, track and field and CWS fun games began at the said stadium; matches of basketball, badminton, speed cubing, and darts at INEFC.
Finals happened on the second day, at INEFC gymnasium after the opening remarks by Britain South District supervising minister Brother Harley Alcantara and song and dance numbers of various districts. In addition to the aforementioned sports were football, volleyball, table tennis, and chess.
“Church members in our district were excited upon learning of this activity being their chance to bond with fellow brethren across Europe,” said Northern Europe District supervising minister Brother Vizar Balcita.
After all the games, Brother Pellien led all the 10 district supervising ministers in awarding the winners. Britain South District was declared as the overall champion.
“I’m very happy and it’s a wonderful experience just to be able to join the games along with other brethren,” said track-and-field first placer Bettina Mattera. Indeed, “Seeing everyone unite in one activity is really heartwarming,” expressed Louise Dominguez of the winning district. — With reports from Noemi Jimenez of INC News Section
On April 16, 2024, brethren returned to the same stadium to witness the district’s Unity Games.
After the torch lighting ceremony, and parade of players, were the athletes’ taking of oath of sportsmanship and a cheerleading competition.
Then, players, donned in sports attire with colors representing their respective areas, competed in basketball, volleyball, softball, badminton, chess, darts, games of the generals, speed cubing, table tennis, and track events.
The awarding ceremony for the winners for each category was held the same day.
On April 17, 2024, brethren held a clean-up drive as their part of the Church-wide INC Giving project. They tidied up the grounds and facilities of Torrijos Central School and of the sports venue.
Proving her unity with the Church in all works, including socio-civic activities, Jenelyn Regencia, choir member in the Local Congregation of Torrijos, stated, “Even if I have many other things to do for the day, I made sure that I never miss in taking part in activities launched by the Church Administration.”
“We witnessed how joyful the brethren in our district were in participating in the activities, and we are thankful because the efforts for these activities to be done were not put to waste,” expressed Amiel Shahril Salvador, district Buklod president.
Brother Sabado acknowledged that the activities “inspired the brethren to remain devoted in upholding their divine election.” He added that everything was made possible out of God’s help through the Church Administration. “It is the conviction of brethren in our district to continue in fulfilling their duties, and in keeping their spiritual fervor so that they remain certain of giving glory to God,” he stated.
Marinduque is “a heart-shaped island which lies between the Bondoc Peninsula at the south-eastern part of Luzon and the island of Mindoro” (marinduque.gov.ph) and is considered as the geographical center of the country, thus the nickname “the heart of the Philippines.”
The ecclesiastical district in Marinduque was established on April 1950, with Brother Pablo de Leon as its first supervising minister. Currently, the district is comprised of 24 local congregations, 3 extensions, and 7 group worship services (GWS). — With reports from Khristina Chasandra Seño and Ralp Vincent Reño
