By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

Showing their full support to the development of football in Negros Occidental, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will lead the opening rites of the 4th Ceres Cup at the North Field in Talisay City today.
Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, 3rd District Rep. Albee Benitez, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, and Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares and Vice Mayor Samson Siote are also expected to grace the event.
Among the thousands of footballers registered in the 465 teams seeing action in the 2-day tournament are Koreans, Japanese, Vietnamese, Americans, and British, to name a few. The presence of these foreign players in the tournament also gives a different playing atmosphere and level of competition.
Last year, Ceres Cup was nominated as Sports Tourism Event of the Year -Domestic, and Sports Tourism Organizer of the Year-Private during the 1st Philippine Sports Tourism Awards Night at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.
A vision of Ceres Negros FC owner and president Leo Rey Yanson, Ceres Cup aims to give enthusiasts the opportunity to foster and exhibit sportsmanship in a competitive, safe, and friendly environment./WDJ