The Canadian Filipino Sports Association of the Yukon (CFSAY) and the Whitehorse Women’s Basketball League played each other in two exhibition games Sunday at Vanier Secondary School. As well as basketball, volleyball teams in the CFSAY league played exhibition games, as a way to celebrate the season so far before the Christmas break.

“Because this is our last day for 2018, so we decided to have an exhibition game were women’s basketball Yukon went up against our boys,” said CFSAY president Aldrin Manalad. “Then for volleyball, we had four boys teams and two girls teams.

“We decided to do this as a time to relax, so we decided to do the exhibitions as a way to have fun and do some bonding with other teams as well.”

On one side of the court, the CFSAY teams were made up of players from the different teams in the league. They played two teams from the women’s league.

In the first game, the women took it to the men’s team. Getting out on the fast break and outrebounding the men for easy second-chance baskets. The ball movement from the women’s side was superb and they continued to build on their lead throughout the quarters.

The ladies team continued to get buckets; as well they got hot from behind the arc and buried numerous threes to go along with stellar defence, taking the first game 78-68.

This is the CFSAY’s second sports season. They also ran the exhibition games with the women’s basketball league last year.

“This is our second year and we thought it would be fun to challenge them to a game,” said Lianne Fordham who runs the Whitehorse Women’s Basketball League. “It went so well last year so we decided to do it again this year.”

Fordham played in the game last year, and the one on Sunday, and was pleased with the result of the game.

“We lost last year so it was nice to get the win this year,” said Fordham. “We have them on height for the most part, but they usually get us on speed. But we have a few skilled players, and our league is picking up in intensity this year and it’s nice to have this growth in community basketball.”

Fordham says having the women’s league partner with the CFSAY is great for basketball in the community.

“It’s great, it’s actually phenomenal,” said Fordham. “It’s nice that they are willing to play us. I think some people don’t want to play women and they don’t want to hurt us. But they see us as equal partners, just as strong and it’s great that they are respectful and we are able to play.

Manalad says the CFSAY wants to continue to build strong relationships within the other leagues in Whitehorse.

“That is what we are planning on doing and planning for,” said Manalad. “So hopefully the young generation, the young blood will continue the CFSAY’s doing right now.”

During the break between basketball games, the CFSAY honoured Air North for their commitment and sponsorship to the league, by naming them the CFSAY’s official airline.

Benjamin Ryan, chief commercial officer at Air North accepted the honours, he also played in the first game. He says supporting sports is important to Air North, but basketball is especially special.

“Supporting sports is huge for us, we support almost each and every sport,” said Ryan. “With respect to basketball in particular, it’s really special. A large part of our workforce is from the Filipino community and I realized through playing in the league how many of my coworkers were into basketball. “

Ryan says that being named the official airline of the CFSAY is a big honour for Air North.

“It’s definitely an honour and is exciting,” said Ryan. “The Filipino community continues to grow. Back when I played basketball in Whitehorse about 12 years ago there were no Filipino players on Team Yukon. Now the community makes up a huge percentage of the good players in the high schools. The whole community and sports in the community have been elevated by the Filipino community and it’s really exciting to be a part of that.”

The CFSAY, basketball, volleyball, badminton and chess leagues will all pick up again in January at Vanier.