The 80th Araw ng Dabaw Arnis Tournament gets going on March 4-5 at the Entertainment Are off the Gaisano Grand Citi Mall in Ilustre Street.
The two-day tournament is organized by the Davao City Sports Development Division in cooperation with Kapatirang Doble Olisi Escrima and Arnis Philippines.
“We are expecting participants from Davao del Sur, Davao Del Norte, Comval and Gen. Santos City,” said Mario Palazuelo, Arnis Philippine representative for Davao.
Palazuelo said winners will receive medals and certificates. Up for grabs are the class champion, 1st runner up and 2nd runner up. There will be a Novice Category to encourage beginners to participate in the said event.
“There will be no cash prizes,” Palazuelo stressed.
The event will be one of the basis for drafting players for the coming Batang Pinoy and for Philippine National Games for all Davao City participants.
Palazuelo, however, clarified that winners do not automatically qualify for the Davao City team to the Batang Pinoy Games.
“They are qualified to undergo intensive training before they can be part of the final selection for Davao City Arnis Team,” Palazuelo added.