‘Milestone in Cebu basketball’

CEBU, Philippines - In what they collectively described as a 'milestone in Cebu basketball', the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. and Viva Sports formalized their partnership deal making Viva as the official television career of most storied and respectable athletic league outside of Metro Manila.

The landmark tie-up was made official during the launching of the 15th CESAFI season yesterday at Cebu Parklane International Hotel. The momentous affair was witnessed by CESAFI President Fr. Manny Uy, SJ, commissioner  Felix 'Boy' O. Tiukinhoy, Jr., Vincent del Rosario and Ronnie Nathanielsz of Viva Sports and IBC 13 General Manager Lito Cruz.

"It's really been a dream of ours to be part of the country's sports development even on a regional basis," said Del Rosario.

Nathanielsz said they are looking forward to a long-term partnership with the CESAFI, which they will brand as 'home of the future stars of Philippine basketball.”

"Some years back, we help the PBA grow to what it became now. We want to do it in the CESAFI and even better," said Nathanielsz. "Through this partnership, they will see the caliber of players coming from this league on a nationwide scale."

As part of their agreement, VIVA Sports will have a regular coverage of the main game on each playing day and two games every Sunday to be telecast nationwide on prime time over IBC 13 the following day.

Tiukinhoy, for his part, is very elated that they are able to enter into a partnership with Viva Sports in an effort to enhance the viewership of CESAFI games on a much larger stage and and broader scope.

"It is with great honor and privilege to enter into a partnership deal with Viva Sports. Since I took the reins as commissioner of the CESAFI nearly two decades ago, it has really been my desire to have the games of the league be aired on television on a nationwide scale and I am happy and at the same time grateful that Viva, one of the most enduring networks in the history of Philippine TV, lend us a helping hand in this worthwhile endeavor," said Tiukinhoy. "This breakthrough undertaking will surely be a big boost to the growth and development of the league."

"The CESAFI richly deserves this meaningful tie-up not only for being one of the longest-existing inter-school leagues in the country, but also for its unflinching commitment to provide the Cebuanos classic and highly entertaining hardcourt action through the years. Since its inception several decades ago, the CESAFI has been the breeding ground of some of the country's hoop stars and it's about high time that the CESAFI will be made known and accessible to fans across the country through Viva being its TV partner," continued Tiukinhoy.

Meanwhile, everything is already in place for the elabore kick-off ceremony of CESAFI Season 15 this Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum. Newly-appointed PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa will be the guest speaker of the affair, while Cebuano hardcourt star JuneMar Fajardo will be honored with a special award.

"This season offers a lot of opportunities especially to our young athletes," said Fr. Uy. "Of course there will be close competition, but in the end, it's all about nurturing and developing talents. Building champions with character." (FREEMAN)