THE dreams of the 10 best boys basketball players and the five best girls basketball players in the country came true last October 6 when they were sent off to Shanghai, China to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime NBA experience JrNBA/JrWNBA Presented by Alaska.
The players were selected in a nationwide search through Regional Selection Camps in Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod, Davao and Makati. The final 10 boys and five girls were named members of the Philippine All-Stars during the National Training Camp at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
They will join 90 other boys and girls from JrNBA Programs in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to watch the NBA Global Games China 2016 between the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
“I’d like to congratulate our JrNBA Philippine All-Stars on their success. Through Alaska Milk’s Nutrition. Action. Champion. Program and our partnership with the NBA, we have been able to help fuel the basketball dreams and life aspirations of thousands of children across the country,” said Alaska Milk Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Wilfred Steven Uytengsu.
“This collaboration is an important element of our long-standing Nutrition. Action. Champion. campaign. By leveraging on this initiative, Alaska Milk was able to proactively educate families and children on the important role of drinking milk and getting into sports to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle.”
The JrNBA Program is presented by Royal Friesland Campina in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam through its Alaska Milk, Frisian Flag, Dutch Lady and Foremost brands and conducted in Singapore through partnership with Sport Singapore.
Alaska Marketing Director Blen Fernando expressed her gratitude to the NBA for the partnership that has helped tens of thousands of children achieve their basketball dreams.
“I am really grateful to the NBA for always being there for the past nine years. We started with a thousand children during our first year. Now we’ve reached the lives of 20,000 participants,” said Fernando.
She also called on the players who will fly to China to represent not only themselves but their families and the country as well. She advised them to enjoy the experience that they will surely cherish for a lifetime.
JrNBA/JrWNBA Presented by Alaska promotes the importance of regular physical activity, trains participants in the fundamentals of basketball and teaches the importance of core values, including sportsmanship, teamwork, a positive attitude and respect.
NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson called on the participants to make the most of the opportunity that they’ve been blessed with.
“This is the culmination of the activity that started with the NBA camps nationwide. For the children, this is a once in a lifetime experience. So I ask you to enjoy the experience. Soak in as much as possible. And conduct yourselves accordingly because you represent not just yourselves but the country as well,” said Singson.
The JrNBA program has touched the lives of more than 1.5 million children, parents and coaches across Southeast Asia by conducting camps, clinics, and NBA Cares community outreach activities.
The JrNBA/JrWNBA players will also meet NBA players and legends, receive additional basketball training and tour the city.
Alaska Basketball Power Camp Director Jeff Cariaso likewise praised the children for their hard work and sacrifice which made the experience possible.
“It was a long journey. From first day of the basketball clinics to now. From thousands who participated you guys are the chosen 10 boys and five girls. When you get to China you will not only experience the sights of the country but also get to watch a real live NBA game. You will also get the chance to train with some of the best NBA trainers and play with your counterparts from other countries in Southeast Asia. Work hard. Always give your best but always enjoy. And take lots of pictures,” said Cariaso.
For more information visit Alaska Milk’s sports channel www.playph.com and like @PlayPH in Facebook and Instagram for inspiring stories on Filipino sports fans of all ages and skill levels.
Fans can also visit the official website at www.jrnba.asia for more information on the JrNBA programs. “Friend” the NBA’s official account on LINE by adding @nba_global.
Follow the NBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nba and Twitter at @NBA for all the latest news and updates. For all things NBA, visit http://www.nba.com./
