Davaoena was elected as athlete representative in the World Sambo body

During a recent online meeting, Davaoena Sydney Sy Tancontian was voted as the first Filipino chairperson of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) Athletes Commission.

The four-member panel, led by Tancontian, 24, the daughter of Paolo Tancontian, the Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. president, was established during the international federation's assembly held in Yerevan, Armenia, last November.

"Coming from a country that just recently started the development of the sport, it became my mission to represent SAMBO in my country, the Philippines, and the Southeast Asia region. I applied for a position in the Athlete's Commission as a member back in 2019 because I was inspired by my predecessor, Mrs. Laure Fournier - a great athlete, an eloquent speaker, and a fantastic mentor. SAMBO has given me great opportunities to develop not only my athletic career but also helped me in my personal growth as an individual," Tancontian said.

"Now that I will be chairing this commission, it's my responsibility to create friendships and a safe space for my fellow athletes to speak up and voice their thoughts so that the sport will continue to grow and thrive through the athletes' voices," Tancontian added. 

Tancontian is a three-time bronze medallist in the plus 80 kg division at the world championships and won a gold medal in the 2022 Asian tournament.

Tancontian, who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Science in Fitness and Sports Management degree, will serve as chairperson of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) Executive Committee.

Tancontian expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission, FIAS, and President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino of the Philippine Olympic Committee for supporting the sport in the nation. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

DC Jail Warden's chess for a cause nets P100K for children of persons deprived of liberty

Davao City--- The recent 1ST JSUPT ERICLEY LOUISE D. LAZARO WARDEN'S OPEN RAPID CHESS TOURNAMENT last February 3-4,2024 at the Abreeza Malls Ayala in Bajada this city did not only gave prizes and a venue for promising chess players in region 11 but also provided some financial help to 10 children of prisoners inside the Davao City jail male dormitory in Barangay Maa here.

JSupt. Ericley Louise Lazaro, the jail warden of the male dormitory of the city jail, revealed they would provide P10,000 to 10 children of persons deprived of liberty on a staggered basis.

Lazaro, a well-known sportsman from Tuguegarao, Cagayan, said they allocated P100,000 for the scholars as financial aid for their studies.

He said since he assumed his post as jail warden in Davao City, he has consistently organized and promoted sports for prisoners and their families.

He added that he chose chess as the first event to organize since it is easy to handle, and there are many chess players in Mindanao.

The former awardee as top warden said he is pleased with the outcome of his chess tournament since it not only helps chess players and children of prisoners but also promotes chess and sports since Senator Bong Go graced it.

Aside from the children of prisoners, the Burea of Jail Management in Region 11 also handed down P10,000 to Fide Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca for his future international tournaments.

Arca, a native of Panabo City, Davao del Norte, is the top young chess player in Mindanao and is considered one of the top 17 and under sports athletes in the Philippines.

During the tournament, Arca also conducted a simultaneous chess match with several young chess players to showcase his skills.

Arca is grateful and happy with the support provided to him by BJMP 11. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)