Timely present 'Bat for Z' charity softball set on Gorres' 28th b-day

CEBU, Philippines - In another admirable act of kindness, a group of magnanimous-hearted individuals and corporate entities have pooled their resources together to organize the Z “The Dream” Gorres Softball Charity Tournament billed as “Bat for Z” on April 18 at the East Visayan Academy sports field in Talisay City.

It’s a timely birthday present for Gorres as he will turn 28 years old on that big day.

Co-organized by Mexican-American expat Michael Angel Figueroa Lopez and Rose Marie Ormo, the one-day event is aimed at generating funds to help defray the rehabilitation expenses of Gorres, who is recovering extremely well from a life-threatening brain injury he sustained in a fight he won in November last year in Las Vegas.

“I’m a big fan of softball and baseball. This is my own way of helping Z Gorres. I hope the Cebuano community will support this [endeavor],” said Lopez during a news conference yesterday at Maya Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Lounge, one of the major backers of the noble undertaking through its owners Jason and Anne Hyatt.

Ormo echoed Lopez’s sentiments saying that “although we are involved in different field of sport, we are doing this to show the true spirit of sportsmanship. We are counting on the support of everyone so we can show that the Cebuanos can work as one [to help others who are in need].”

In a touching gesture of appreciation for the good things some well-meaning people have done to him, Gorres graced the affair without an aid of a wheelchair nor even crutch as he walked towards the second floor of the presscon venue. He was with his wife Datches and their three very young children.

“I am very thankful. I don’t personally know these people and I did not expect they will do this for me,” said Gorres, his face turning emotional once more.

Lopez said donations will be raised through the team entry fee and sponsorships. A total of eight teams will see action in the softball tilt and four in the little league category. They will be assessed with a registration fee of P1,500 each.

The entries in softball are Halbstarken, Pau D Arco, Rebels, Poblacion (Talisay), Langtad (Talisay), Paknaan, Mandaue selection and either Team Thailand or the Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT), while the competitors in little league are Punta Princesa, Labangon, Tisa, and Canduman, Mandaue.

Cebuana Lhuillier, represented by its Central Visayas regional manager Anton Arrieta, is the chief presentor of the fund-raiser, with Pau D Arco, Coca-Cola and M. Lhuillier as the minor sponsors. It is also supported by Cebu First District Rep. Eduardo “Eddiegul” R. Gullas, city government of Talisay, East Visayan Academy through its principal Lemuel Banday, and the Mandaue City Sports Commission.

Lopez, on the other hand, extended his profound gratitude to batted sports patron Dionisio Bacarisas for unselfishly helping them in recruiting for teams as well as to ALA Boxing Gym top honcho Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer for giving them the go signal to push through with activity.

“We are expecting the support from the community to make this tournament memorable and we’re hoping for a big turnout of fans,” said Lopez.

Those who are interested in chipping in a certain amount for Gorres are advised to come to the venue and join the fun for-a-cause. -  THE FREEMAN