What began as a small gathering of baseball and softball enthusiasts has steadily grown into a community-driven sporting tradition, as the family of the late Dominador S. Garin in partnership with the BSU-College of Human Kinetics successfully staged the “DSG Invitational Slo-Pitch Cup 2026” at the BSU Oval and the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal.

Now in its continued run as an invitational tournament, the DSG Invitational Slo-Pitch Cup traces its origins to earlier slo-pitch initiatives organized by sports advocates who aimed to sustain participation in the sport while building a wider network of players across Benguet and nearby areas. Over time, it evolved into more than a competition, serving as a venue for connection among alumni, community teams, partner institutions, and even
international representatives.

The tournament is named in honor of the late Dominador S. Garin, whose contributions to community sports development continue to influence initiatives within and beyond the university. Remembered for his commitment to nurturing athletes and promoting inclusive participation, his legacy lives on through activities that emphasize both excellence and engagement. The DSG Invitational Slo-Pitch Cup stands as a tribute to these ideals, carrying forward his vision of sports as a unifying force in the community.

This year’s edition marked a significant step forward as it was formally integrated into CHK’s extension program, aligning the event with BSU’s mandate of community engagement and experiential learning.

Across three days, teams competed in tightly contested matches that highlighted both skill and sportsmanship. The tournament atmosphere remained energetic, with supporters and spectators contributing to the vibrant community spirit surrounding the games.

Top-performing teams emerged after a series of elimination and final matches, with champions crowned in their respective divisions. Individual awards were also given to standout players who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the tournament.

While the competition produced clear winners, organizers emphasized that the significance of the activity goes beyond rankings. For CHK students, the event serves as a practical training ground where they assume roles in officiating, logistics, and event management, enabling them to bridge classroom instruction with real-world application.

More importantly, the tournament reaffirmed its founding purpose: to sustain interest in the sport while building a strong, inclusive community around it. What started as a localized initiative has become a recurring platform that promotes active lifestyles, fosters relationships, and strengthens university-community ties.

During the awarding ceremony on the third day, Joshua Anjo Cabusao, one of the organizers and a participating player, acknowledged that any unforeseen lapses encountered would serve as opportunities for improvement in future editions of the activity. Nevertheless, this year’s DSG Invitational Slo-Pitch Cup was declared a success, owing to the invaluable participation of the teams and officiating officials.

The successful staging of the 2026 DSG Invitational Cup highlights BSU’s continuing commitment to holistic education—where athletic development, community extension, and student learning intersect.

As CHK expands its outreach programs, the DSG Invitational Slo-Pitch Cup 2026 stands as a working model of how sports can be used not only for competition, but as a meaningful avenue for engagement, collaboration, and shared growth.//W.Marcos