KABAKA kicked off its summer Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament over the weekend at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in partnership with AKSYON Youth to promote wellness and grassroots sports programs all over Manila.
KABAKA founder former Manila fifth district Rep. Amado S. Bagatsing said that this summer Sportsfest, now on its 25th year, is a testament to how committed KABAKA is on its objective of helping young people develop their talents and abilities.
“We are very thankful to see how far KABAKA sports programs have progressed developing the youth of Manila. We are very proud to see some of our past players here are now playing in big professional leagues,” Bagatsing said.
The event’s opening ceremony, participated in by 200 teams from Manila, was graced by Chi Atienza, the daughter of former Mayor Lito Atienza, Philippine Basketball Association’s scoring guard Adrian Nocum of Rain or Shine, ex-Mayor Isko Moreno and Bagatsing, among others, last Sunday.
One of the highlights of the program was the unification of KABAKA of former Rep. Amado Bagatsing, KABABAIHAN of Atienza and KAAGAPAY of former Moreno.
It was the first time that the three organizations joined forces to promote the nation’s capital’s sports programs not only in basketball, but also in volleyball, taekwondo and boxing, among others projects.
“KABAKA is not only about basketball, but also an avenue for our youth to excel in other sports. We are here to help the young athletes of Manila,” Bagatsing added.
For his part, former Manila mayor Moreno said he will revitalize and strengthen Manila’s sports in schools and communities.
Over the years, KABAKA Sportsfests have produced athletes who have played in the PBA, National Collegiate Athletic Association, University Athletic Association of the Philippines, and other elite leagues.