THE field of sports has its way of rewarding the best efforts and dedication exerted by athletes in their own fields.

        After months of rigid practice and preparation, the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) romped home with the prized over-all championship in the recent sports festival sponsored by the Bicol Water Districts Association (BIWADA) in Iriga City last April 24-27, 2007, aligning the trophy with similar trophies claimed in 1997, 1999, and 2004. Dubbed “BIWADA Sportsfest 2007” with the theme “Ngayamon Sana,” (Karawat Sana), the grueling 4-day sports competition participated in by 21 water districts (WDs) in the Bicol Region and held at different venues within the Rinconada city, displayed the mettle and physical prowess of youthful as well as middle-aged athletes when they competed in their own events while braving the scorching heat of the Summer sun.

        The MNWD shooters bagged the Basketball (men) championship by crashing the defenses of Tabaco and Camarines Norte WDs, the 1st and 2nd Runners-up, respectively. The MNWD spikers also took the Volleyball (men) trophy from Camarines Norte and Nabua WDs. In Soccer Kickball (women), the MNWD reigned over Camarines Norte and Pili WDs. The unforgiving MNWD servers also delivered crushing defeats to their adversaries in Lawn Tennis (men, singles & doubles) and in Table Tennis (men). In Chess, the brilliant players of Bacacay and Masbate-Mobo WDs humbly bowed to the offensive defenses of the MNWD’s pawn player. The servers of Masbate-Mobo and Tabaco WDs were rattled by the cunning and sly volleys of the MNWD’s player in Badminton (men, single), and so with the servers of Pili and Masbate-Mobo WDs in Badminton (men, mixed). In Dart (men), the MNWD scooped more points than Calabanga and Sipocot WDs. Even in the parlor games, the MNWD pulled the 1st Place in Sack Relay, trailed by Pili and Camarines Norte WDs. Totally, the MNWD swept ten (10) major events in the said festival, while placing either 2nd or 3rd in other games such as Volleyball (women), Walkathon (men), Walkathon (women), Swimming 50M (women), Billiard (men), Scrabble (men), Scrabble (women), Badminton (women, single), Tug-of-War (women), Obstacle Race, Plumbing Competition, and Cheer Dance Contest. The MNWD’s petite and beauteous Ellalyn Albo garnered the 2nd Runner-up in the Search for Miss BIWADA 2007.

        The BIWADA Sportsfest is the annual sports competition among the forty-three (43) members of the said organization designed to promote further camaraderie, sportsmanship, and physical fitness awareness among the region’s brothers-in-industry. This year’s host was Iriga City Water District (ICWD). The occasion was graced by no less than Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen herself and LWUA Administrator Orlando C. Hondrade. (manny sb. Alcantara)