Columbus Charities

Sports activities has always been at the core of youth and community programs that Archbishop Duke Council 6855 in Richmond, has been known for.The Regional and District Free Throw competition has been a part of their annual sports program for many years and they continue to host this event.

The council holds a bi monthly sports night, organizing games like volleyball, basketball and badminton. These games have always been held in a professional and organized manner. These sports nights have gained in popularity over the years, attracting many parishioners and members of the Richmond community.

It has taken tremendous dedication and commitment from some key members of council 6855 to make this event successful. One of the pioneering members of our sports programs is Brother Antonio Banting. His unfailing commitment to helping with council sports activities laid the foundation for an exciting program for all councils of District 23.

Following in Brother Antonio’s footsteps and taking his lead, a few enterprising brother knights decided to take our sports programs to a new level of organization and sportsmanship. In the light of the popularity of basketball over other sports, it was decided to hold a Basketball Tournament, inviting all councils of District 23 to participate.

However there was one slight twist compared to previous sports events. Membership and recruitment being such an important part of what it is to be a Knight of Columbus, our Council Sport Director Brother Manny Tolentino decided that participants in this tournament could only be members of the Knights of Columbus. Not to deter anyone from participating , all non members were not turned away but allowed to participate with a stipulation that they sign a Form-100 and join the Knights of Columbus at the first available opportunity. Brother Manny’s idea resulted in a startling and pleasant surprise. These young men eager to compete began lining up to become members.

The impact was not limited to Council 6855, but to every council in District 23 except Council 6232 located in Whitehorse in the Yukon. Over a span of three months, District 23 experienced an unprecedented growth in membership of over 30 new members. The majority of these new members were barely 18. These young knights literally overnight transformed the entire character of the councils they joined. A spirit of excitement, camaraderie and youthfulness permeated the councils of district 23. Councils 12861, 11916, 10681, 14925 and 6855 were all active in recruitment through this brainchild of Brother Manny. It was quite common to have first degree exemplifications practically on a weekly basis.

The organization of the tournament itself had a lot to do with the success in recruitment. Grand Knight Edgar Ursua of Council 6855 gave this event his firm and ardent support. Providing every resource needed. Led by Brother Manny Tolentino and his enterprising organizing committee consisting of Deputy Grand Knight Kevin Mendonca, Brother Butch Mendoza, Brother Antonio Banting, Brother Mel Ison and many more dedicated knights, this event was organized on a grand scale.

Professional referee’s were retained for the entire tournament. Players T shirts were ordered for all participating councils. The games, held on a league basis kicked off in early September 2010 and continued through to the end of October, with the final game being played between Council 12861 and Council 6855.

Grand Knight Philip Barnwell with his young team from council 12861 won the day and carried home the impressive new champion’s trophy. Our State General Program Director Brother Herb Yang was the Chief Guest at the final game. Council 11916, one of the smaller councils in district 23 led by Grand Knight Michael Wong witnessed a surge in the number of members participating. They took home the Most Valiant Knights trophy for the great sportsmanship shown by their team players especially Brother Louis Tong aged 74, Brother Dominic Eng aged 72 and Brother Paul Fan aged 67. These fearless senior brothers displayed no hesitation in taking on their much younger opponents.

No single event has had such a profound impact on all our councils at any one time. The combination of a well organized sport program, dedication and commitment to growing the order and seemingly boundless energy and passion to plan events on such a scale proved a winning formula for recruiting the youth in our community. Months after this event, its effect continues to manifest itself in different ways.

Already these young members eager to do their part as members of the Knights of Columbus have created the basis for forming at least two Squires Circles in District 23. Grand Knight Philip Barnwell of Council 12861 has already submitted his application to form a circle. Soon to follow will be Grand Knight Edgardo Panes of Council 10681, with Grand Knight Michael Wong of Council 11916 working hard to establish a Squires Circle in his parish. Not to be left out, Council 6232 in Whitehorse also has plans well underway to establish a Squires Circle. Grand Knight Edgar Ursua of Council 6855 is eager to hold this event again and the council has committed to add this to its already busy schedule of annual events.

Well done Worthy Sirs.

Kevin Pinto
District Deputy 23.

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