Filipino farmers compete in New Zealand's South Island Games

Filipino farmers living in New Zealand are actively participating in cultural and sporting events, fostering community connections. Vincent Travasas, an 83-year-old dairy farmer, recently represented Invercargill at the Filipino South Island Games, a three-day multisport event held in the region.

The games featured a variety of competitions, including basketball. Travasas was part of the Invercargill Royal's Legends division team, which competed in a hard-fought battle for third place in the 40-up division. Despite the team's loss in that specific match, the participation highlights the vibrant community engagement among Filipino expatriates.

Guillermo Tolentino, another farmer aged 88, was also part of the Invercargill Royal's Legends division team. The event underscores the strong sense of community and the desire to maintain cultural ties and engage in healthy competition among Filipino residents in New Zealand's rural towns.