Tubod, Lanao del Norte – American players part of the World Harvest International (WHI) basketball squad again visited this fast-rising province for another round of friendly games against local teams from the nine coastal communities.

“I love Philippines and I love Lanao del Norte. People here are so warm and friendly so I see to it that Lanao del Norte is in my list of places to visit”, WHI President Tom Randall expressed.

Among the municipalities visited by the American squad are Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Lala, and Kapatagan.

The goodwill games started on December 29, 2011 and ended last January 7, 2012 after a culmination program held at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex, in the capital town of Tubod.

Last January 5, 2011, the Lanao del Norte All-Stars edged out the much-taller World Harvest Team with a come-from-behind-victory at the cavernous MCC gym.

“We are very happy for the visit of these international players. Their presence here proves that Lanao del Norte is indeed a very safe and peaceful place”, Provincial Information Officer Lyndon Calica said.

The World Harvest squad led by Tom Randall also entertained the local crowds during halftime with fancy basketball tricks. The team also gave away basketball caps and jerseys to the opposing team and some basketball fans.

Tom Randall is the director of World Harvest Ministries since 1990 and with his wife Karen have served in the Philippines on projects such as orphanages, youth camps, building crews and basketball teams. In the US, Randall serves as a speaker, entertainer and chaplain for the PGA Champions Tour. VNL & LAR/PIO-LDN