[VIDEO STARTS]
Michael Robinson: Welcome to Virginia Beach, Virginia where one of the mostly highly anticipated sporting events of the Church Of Christ is happening. From the East Coast to the Midwest, nine ecclesiastical districts gather with athletes. Ready to compete in numerous sporting events for the purpose of unity.
Michael Robinson: Welcome to the East Coast Regional Unity Games.
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Richie Ferrera: Welcome back to INC News World as we continue this special coverage of the Regional Unity Game events happening in the U.S.
Michelle Peredo: And we head to Virginia for our next set of stories in the east coast–also showcasing nine ecclesiastical districts, spanning from the Midwest, New York, Florida, and the Caribbean. Let’s check it out!
Michelle Peredo: Let’s step onto the basketball courts where the spirit of fierce competition fills the air, especially among two talented brothers hailing from Washington D.C. and for these siblings, the art of basketball runs deep. Stacy Larkin has the story.
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Stacy Larkin: Basketball, another highly anticipated sport for the East Coast Regional Unity Games. And for Jordan and Jayden Ignacio, brothers hailing from Washington, D.C., are no strangers to intense competition.
Jordan Ignacio (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): Yeah, it started in a Filipino youth league. Got to play some games and just kind of fell in love with the game.
Jaden Ignacio (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): And then just the support from my family all the more gave me more drive and motivation to pursue this game.
Stacy Larkin: And they shared with me how far they have gone now being in college and still playing the sport they love so much.
Jaden Ignacio (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): I am now a three year captain. My entire college experience has been great. The relationships I built with my teammates, my coaches and that all the more, you know, just traveling and learning the game. It’s helped my game grow all the more too.
Jordan Ignacio (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): I actually study at Georgetown University. I became a practice player for the women’s basketball team, and that was just, you know, being the scout team, having them in practice, just being there, helping them out. And I got close with the organization and they offered me a manager position. We did play in the Big East playoffs which was a lot of fun.
[Game Announcer]: And the Georgetown Hoyas are headed back to the East Quarter Finals…
Stacy Larkin: But this passion for the game of basketball goes even further back for Jayden and Jordan.
Jordan Ignacio (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): We were such a basketball family with my dad, even my uncles and, you know, my brother just kind of taking after them and just seeing what kind of sport they were into and like how much fun they’re having. It just kind of made me want to play as well.
Stacy Larkin: Even using their talents for the Church Of Christ to teach others basketball because of their involvement in Unity Games at a young age. Serving a vital role for basketball, family bonds and their faith.
Stacy Larkin: And their father, Arnie Ignacio, giving his support. Knowing personally, the impact Unity Games had on him as an athlete.
Arnie Ignacio (Jordan and Jayden’s Dad, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): I would play most, if not all, of my basketball, only at the Unity Games. Most of my friends that I’ve made through the years from different congregations in our district are as a result of basketball.
Stacy Larkin: Finding happiness in all they do because they do it together through their faith.
Arnie Ignacio (Jordan and Jayden’s Dad, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): Going out or doing a cleaning, missionary activity, we do it together. We find joy in that. It’s the same joy that we find at the Unity Games because ultimately you realize that the happiest part of it all is that we were together.
Jaden Ignacio (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): It all the more strengthens me and brings me up and teaches me that, you know, I’m able to go through these hardships and these burdens, but still be able to have a close relationship with my family, as well as remain active in the Church.
Jordan Ignacio (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): It’s just a great opportunity that the Church Administration has given us being able to bond. Not just through worship services, but through events like these.
Stacy Larkin: With 9 districts competing for the championship in the Kadiwa and Binhi organizations at this Regional Unity Games, it would be Washington D.C. for the Kadiwa and Virginia for the Binhi that would come out on top for basketball. But no matter the sport one would compete in for in this East Coast Regional Unity Games, this event would bring something greater than winning for all athletes.
Matthew Alaisa (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Virginia): I mean, it is great for our faith because we’re bonding with each other through our passion and through our faith. So it’s just a great opportunity for everybody to get to know each other and strengthen that.
Jaden Ignacio (Basketball, Ecclesiastical District of Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic): But more than basketball, also building relationships out there and just uniting as a brotherhood and playing the game that we all love.
Stacy Larkin: And just as Unity Games for the Ignacio family continues to be a bonding experience, it also remains a means of the ever growing faith and unity within their family as well as for all families within the Church Of Christ.
Stacy Larkin: From Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. I’m Stacy Larkin, for Unity Games International.
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Richie Ferrera: Now get your game faces on as we head to the soccer field, where a father’s desire to have a stronger connection with his sons through this beautiful game paved the way for extraordinary accomplishments and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Michael Robinson has the story.
[VIDEO STARTS]
Michael Robinson: The Virginia Beach House, the venue where soccer players like Leo Vergara participated in his first East Coast Regional Unity Games but not a first for him in playing soccer.
Leo Vergara (Soccer, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): When we went to Nationals, we played teams from California, Chicago, and all over the country. And then we won that; it felt really good. It makes me want to keep playing soccer, seeing as if I have a future in it.
Michael Robinson: Leo Vergara is a national champion soccer player. Since his young years, he has been playing at a high competitive level. Leo shared with me that he belongs to the Nesa/Future team, the 13U or 13 years of age bracket for the USYS or United States Youth Soccer League out of New Jersey. And with their league standings, they played in state, regional and national championships. Becoming the number one soccer team for their bracket in the country. His father Edwin shared how this talent of Leo’s was special.
Edwin Vergara (Leo’s Dad and Coach, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): Different coaches started noticing that he had a special talent, and they always pointed out that he would be able to excel if he continued in his path with soccer.
Leo Vergara (Soccer, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): I think it’ll be really fun because like, I just love soccer so I hope I’m having a good time here.
Michael Robinson: While an exciting moment for Leo…
Leo Vergara (Soccer, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): I’m so excited because this is the first time I’m playing soccer for the Unity Games.
Michael Robinson: His father shared how this sport created something greater for him and sons.
Edwin Vergara (Leo’s Dad and Coach, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): Soccer became a bond for us because I wanted something to bring us closer together, and this sport was actually something that they enjoyed, honestly.
Michael Robinson: A necessity for Edwin in having events like Unity Games. Being a convert in the Church Of Christ, it was through activities like this, that helped him yearn even more for a stronger bond with his sons.
Edwin Vergara (Leo’s Dad and Coach, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): I wanted to become involved with them and have something to actually bring us together. So I started playing soccer.
Michael Robinson: Especially when Edwin’s personal experience in Unity Games was special to him. Playing soccer also in New Jersey that would start the journey to a great experience for his faith.
Edwin Vergara (Leo’s Dad and Coach, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): Once we went to California, we got bested by California and we ended up second place. They gave me a call and said, “Hey, would you like to come with the team to represent the USA and the Philippines?”
Michael Robinson: Edwin would represent Team USA for soccer at the Centennial Anniversary of the Church Of Christ. Playing at the International Unity Games event held at the Philippine Arena and Stadium.
Edwin Vergara (Leo’s Dad and Coach, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): It was just the bonding and friendship after the games that we had was great. And we met people from Italy, Australia, England. It was so many different brethren from all over the place that it was a beautiful experience.
Michael Robinson: And as Edwin now continues to grow this bond with his sons, they also celebrate. Among the 9 districts for soccer, Team New Jersey won first place. But the real winning was the experience for Leo being among those who have the same love he has for the sport and the true faith.
Leo Vergara (Soccer, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): My mom and dad always taught me the importance of attending the worship service and thank you for letting me participate and experience playing the sport I love.
Edwin Vergara (Leo’s Dad and Coach, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey): Even in all the games that we played, whether the teams won or lost, at the end of it, we saw the unity and the bonding and we all knew that we were there for a purpose, which was to bring us closer to God and to bring more fellowship between us.
Michael Robinson: From Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. I’m Michael Robinson, for Unity Games International.
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