James, Dingdong at SJ kiddie cage fest

MANILA, Philippines - San Juan City Vice Mayor Francis Zamora, a former De La Salle University Green Archers team captain, invited Purefoods Hotshots’ James Yap and Dingdong Dantes to be inspirational speakers during the opening ceremonies of the fifth Inter-Elementary Basketball Tournament and first Inter-Elementary Cheering Competition held at the San Juan Gym.

During his inspirational message, James shared to the young basketball players how he rose from being an athlete at a public school in Negros Province, to being a college stand-out in the UAAP, and eventually to superstardom in the PBA, winning several championships and MVP awards.

He also recalled how his friend and then teammate in the PBL, Francis, would give him rubber shoes and take him for a ride home after practice when he was still starting his basketball career in Metro Manila. He said that all his success is through hard work, dedication and perseverance.

For his part, National Youth Commission chairman Dingdong shared his 3P’s: Pagpapahalaga sa kalusugan, Pagpupursigi and Pagpapahalaga sa Kapwa, which he encouraged the youth of San Juan to follow in order to become better and more productive citizens of the country.

The San Juan Inter-Elementary Basketball Tournament is a project of the City Government of San Juan aimed at providing opportunities for young athletes for them to harness their basketball skills. It also aims to develop sportsmanship, camaraderie, mental and physical fitness and goal-orientedness among the city’s youth, adding to the fact that sports help keep them away from drugs and other vices.