ILOILO CITY: A total of nine sports events, three of which are national competitions recognized by the National Sports Association (NSA), are slated in the city as added attractions in the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2013.

This was announced by Moises Solomon of the Iloilo City sports council after coordination with the various sports events are completed this week.

The Dinagyang 2013 sports events will be ushered in by Mayors Cup Golf Tournament on January 18 to 19, 2013 with some 250 golfers from different parts of the country and abroad and some national celebrity golfers expected to converge and play at the Sta. Barbara 18 holes golf course.

The 12-year-old golfing event is spearheaded by the Iloilo Golf and Country Club in the country’s oldest golf course in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.

Solomon said that the national sports events approved by the NSA include the Sixth Iloilo Dinagyang National Age Group Swimfest on January 25-26, 2013 at the sports complex spearheaded by the Iloilo Sea Warriors Swim Club; the Fourth National Arnis Tournament and Dinagyang Bastonero 2013 on January 25 to 26, 2013 at the WVCST gym and spearheaded by Arnis Philippines; and the first time Dinagyang National Tae kwon do Tournament on January 26, 2013 at the WIT gym and spearheaded by the Philippine Tae kwon do Association.

The other sports events are the third Dinagyang Run for 18 kilometer. 5K and 3K fun run on January 20, 2013 from SM City and spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Iloilo; 3rd Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog Bowling Cup and the Dinagyang 2013 open trio bowling tournament spearheaded by the Dockpin Bowlers Association of Iloilo to be held at the SEBBA alleys on January 25 to 27, 2013; 3rd Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog Badminton Cup at the Sportsville Badminton Court on January 25 to 26, 2013; and the Dinagyang 2013 Mayors Cup C 9-Ball Handicapping Tournament at the X Spot Billiard and Amusement Center on January 25 to 26, 2013.

The last event is the Iloilo Dinagyang Fishing Tournament by the Panay Anglers Association on January 26 to 27, 2013 to be held at the Iloilo fishing areas.

Solomon said that winners in all the sports events will have corresponding cash prizes and citations for joining the events during the Dinagyang Festival.