SLA Junior World Showcase gets underway

CEBU, Philippines — The wait is finally over as the highly anticipated Sinag Liga Asya (SLA) Junior World Showcase Season 3.0 will blast off today (Wednesday, July 1).

Before the exciting hardcourt action, a grand opening ceremony will take place starting at 8 a.m. at the Cebu Coliseum.

Several high-profile government officials and sports stakeholders are expected to grace the kick-off festivities, including Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, underscoring the significance of the international grassroots basketball tournament that gathers young talents from across the globe.

Also set to attend are Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) and Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejano, University of Cebu (UC) Chairman Atty. Augusto Go and his wife Elizabeth Gan Go, Edmund Porter, Winley de la Fuente, and Atty. Mans Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go will deliver a video message for all participants.

The five-day cage wars will feature 50 teams from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and host Philippines competing in five age groups:13, 15, 17, 19, and 23 Under.

Aside from the Cebu Coliseum, games will also be played at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Downtown Campus Gymnasium,Cebu City Sports Institute, and Magnum Sports Complex.

SLA Chairman Rocky Chan encouraged the Cebuano fans to witness the event firsthand as it is free to the public. — (FREEMAN)