Gawad Kalinga, ACCESS hold marathon basketball

MANILA, Philippines - Asian Cable Enterprises Inc. (ACCESS) and Gawad Kalinga Philippines have firmed up their partnership for the staging of the Philippine Basketball Marathon starting March 24 at the Meralco Gym with a noble mission to help victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“ACCESS and Gawad Kalinga Philippines have come together to turn this devastation into restoration,” said Discovery-ACCESS chief operating officer Jacque Ruby.

Ruby said the Philippine Basketball Marathon will be under project “Bounce Back Phl” which aims to provide typhoon victims a roof over their heads and bring back their source of livelihood.

Proceeds from Bounce Back Phl will be donated to Gawad Kalinga’s “Operation Walang Iwanan” with its mission to build a basketball marathon village in an area in Negros Occidental that was devastated by Yolanda (internationally known as typhoon Haiyan). The BM village will be composed of 24 houses, a basketball court, and a community hall where the recipients can engage in different Gawad Kalinga livelihood programs.

The Philippine Basketball Marathon attempts to break the world record of 112 hours and 13 seconds the Missouri Athletic Club set in St. Louis, Missouri on March 21 to 25, 2012.

Americans Chuck Williams, Jeffery Moore and Tony Tatar, all part of the current basketball marathon record holders, are helping the Filipinos in this endeavor.

“When a tragedy like typhoon Haiyan rips through so many lives, it doesn’t matter how far away you live. We all feel the shock of such suffering and loss. I’m honored to be part of the region’s effort to endure, and to rebuild,” said Williams.

“The organizers and sponsors of this event showcase the very best part of our collective humanity. It is a humbling experience to work with so many generous supporters on behalf of such resilient people,” Williams added.

“My prayer is somehow our participation can help a child or children sleep in the comfort and safety of their own home again,” said Moore. “If my children were in this situation I could only pray someone would do the same for them. That is my motivation, and I’m dedicating my effort in honor of my three daughters.”

“My mother-in-law Nini and I are reaching out to other Filipinos in the US and Canada for help as well. I’m positive many have already donated to Gawad Kalinga through the website as well as many co-workers and family members,” said Tatar.

Seeking donations through various channels started Feb. 12. Meanwhile, the village construction is slated to start in the second half of 2014.

So it’s 112-plus hours of non-stop basketball and 112 days of fund-raising,” said Ruby.

People donation will be the first step towards the Basketball Marathon village for Negros Occidental, and this will also be a pledge of your support for the Basketball Marathon,” Ruby also said.

Donations can be made on different packages ranging from $12-$500. For information, visit www.bouncebackph.com or basketballmarathonph.com.

Williams, Moore, Tatar and 21 local players will attempt to break the world record for the longest basketball marathon game. For every hour played, a corresponding donation will be given to the “Bounce Back PH” restoration effort.

The 24 players will also take part in the construction of the Basketball Marathon village.

“The event’s core message is that passion, endurance, teamwork and will power are the keys to success in sports and in life. We want the Filipino audience, especially the youth to internalize the concept of “Never Stop” (which is the Basketball Marathon 2014’s tagline) and never give up no matter what trials come our way,” said Ruby.

The Philippine Basketball Marathon is in partnership with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and sponsored by Mitsubishi, PG Flex, Ace Hardware, Yakult, Medical City, Security Bank, Phoenix Petroleum, Bacchus, Burlington, AirAsia-Zest, Lamoiyan, Iwata, Innovatronix, Timex, Canon, Power Mac, Segway, Spenco, God’s Gym, Accel, Molten, Coleman, Oster, Starcruises, Gerry’s Grill, Quiznos, Gong Cha, SL Agritech, GNC, Gatorade, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Fern C, Balls Channel, FHM, Slam PH, Spin, Business World, Discovery Channel, Pioneer Insurance, CMS-Asia, Reyes Haircutters, Crystal CATX, Highlands Coffee, CaliBurger, The Exchange Regency, Maynilad, Ace Water Spa, Avis, Secure, and New San Jose Builders.