On August 6, the Bago City City Government in Negros Occidental warmly acknowledged the Bago City Girls Junior League Softball team, which finished third in the 2022 Junior League Softball World Series in Kirkland, Washington, United States of America (USA).

At the famous event, the Filipino ladies’ squad represented Team Asia-Pacific.

On Monday, August 22, a motorcade welcomed the squad of 18 players aged 13 to 14, their coaches, parents, and other members of the delegation team to Bago City.

The local government also gave the squad, led by team captain Layle Baladjay of Barangay Sampinit, a financial incentive of P100,000.

The City Council also approved a resolution noting that “our athletes’ great performances deserve to be congratulated for the respect and distinction they have given not only to our city, but also to our country in general.”

Bago City’s sports coordinator, Ignacio Denila, said the delegation arrived in the United States on July 28 to compete in the competition, which ran from July 31 to August 6.

According to head coach Josie Sebunga, the players had a remarkable experience because it was their first time competing in a world-class competition after winning the Little League Philippines National Finals Softball Tournament.

According to Sebunga, the youngsters battled admirably during the tournament against ten teams.

In addition, the squad received the sportsmanship award.

Sebunga commended the Filipino community in the United States and the Bago local government for their unwavering support for the squad.

The squad will be preparing for the next Philippine series, which will take place in February 2023.

Mayor Nicholas Yulo praised the squad earlier in his message for bringing pride and dignity to the community.

“Indeed, the entire city of Bago and the country rejoice in your win,” the local mayor added.

Yulo praised the players and coaches for their devotion, hard work, and tenacity in bringing respect not only to Bago City, but to the entire nation.

Their parents should be commended for motivating their children, as well as the Filipino community in the United States for taking excellent care of our athletes, boosting their morale and battling spirit to smash a “home run,” Yulo added.