Race for oneness

BY MAYA M. PADILLO

Unity can be elusive but in Davao City everything is interconnected from people to nature and proof of this is the 11 indigenous peoples celebrating oneness amidst diversity of cultures and traditions.

That oneness is what Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao wants to showcase as it returns to Davao City on March 24 to 26, 2023 at the Azuela Cove.

This year’s race will be introducing Team Maisugon competition in honor of the 11 tribes of Davao City. The competition includes an 11-person team competition (Tribu Maisugon). The winning team will get P550,000, which will include P500,000 from Davao City and P50,000 from Aboitiz.

The city government of Davao came up with a team award as a means of promoting unity and diversity. Twenty teams in total have earned spots in the Tribu Maisugon Team Event.

“Davao is special because of the election and Vice President Sara Duterte, we managed to bring it back this year 2023.

“Tribu Maisugon is a must watch kasi normal people sila na may mga trabaho hindi tulad nung mga professionals,” said Princess Galura, general manager of Sunrise Events Alveo Ironman 70.3, during I-Speak media forum on Thursday.

Following the Race for Culture in 2018 and the Race for Peace in 2019, the team with the quickest overall time will get the coveted Tribu Maisugon prize, which includes a permanent trophy handcrafted by renowned local artist and medal designer Kublai Millan, in keeping with this year’s theme of

“Race for Oneness.”

With close to 1,700 participants, 48 countries, 55 world championship slots, a worldclass course, and an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, this year’s Ironman 70.3 is expected to be a race like no other. With 19 pro Athletes headlining the race, it will indeed be a unique race in terms of empowerment, participation and collaboration.

Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. told Edge Davao holding the prestigious race in Davao City means there would be a major influx of tourists, including athletes and their delegation, who will be stayin and enjoying their time in Davao City.

“This would not only acquaint them of the beauty that our city offers but also open many oppor- tunities for possible investments in Davao City. The Ironman triathlon has been previously held in other cities all across the world and it is a privilege that Davao City was chosen to be part of this long-standing and historical sporting event,” he said.

According to Sunrise Events, Davao City was recognized as the Best Host City in Asia 2018. An honor earned by the triathletes who participated in the Ironman 70.3 Asia series.

The event has also been cited as the best Ironman 70.3 race in the region.

“Dabawenyos should be proud because there are so many LGUs coming to see you race and benchmark from it. If indeed this is the last one, we will end it very successfully with a bang,” Galura said.