By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Jeffrei Chan will return to the court before his fellow Bacolodnons as he joins the Gilas Legends in headlining the MassKaralympics 2025, one of the centerpiece events of this year’s MassKara Festival.

Chan, a former Gilas Pilipinas sharpshooter, will suit up alongside Marc Pingris, Dondon Hontiveros, Gary David, Arwind Santos, Ranidel de Ocampo, Cyrus Baguio, Willie Miller, Ryan Reyes, and Asi Taulava in the Legends Rise: MassKara Gugma All-Star Exhibition Game.

The contest is billed as the highlight of the 28 sporting events lined up for the weeklong MassKaralympics.

Festival director Rodney Ascalon said the participation of Chan and other Gilas greats adds pride and excitement to Bacolod’s sports celebration.

“It’s not just about competition; it’s about celebrating community, unity and the enduring Bacolodnon spirit of resilience and joy,” he said.

Aside from the all-star showcase, the MassKaralympics also features the 1st Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Volleyball Cup, the 4th MassKara Tchoukball Tournament, the MassKaRun, Bike and Zumba, the 1st Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Pickleball Tournament, and the 1st MassKara 3×3 Basketball Tournament.

Other highlights include the 1st Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Football Cup, the BMX and Skateboard Competitions featuring rising talents Motic Panugalinog and Guetler Mariano, and the City of Smiles International Marathon.

Events are being held in venues across the city, such as the USLS Coliseum, Montalbo Gym, Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Bacolod Skate Park, and the Provincial Capitol Lagoon.

With local athletes competing side by side with national icons, the MassKaralympics 2025 further strengthens its place as one of the most anticipated features of the MassKara Festival./ASC, WDJ