The National Basketball Association (NBA) recently reached out to Marikina City, one of the cities hardest hit by Typhoon Ondoy, by launching the Jr. NBA Philippines, at the Marikina Heights Gym.

The program is the league’s global social responsibility program, demonstrating the continued efforts of the NBA and New Marketlink Pharmaceutical Corporation, makers of Hi-Smart Multivitamins, to develop youth basketball and promote the importance of sportsmanship, health and nutrition.

The Jr. NBA Philippines program kicked off with a basketball clinic for some 50 underprivileged students from various Marikina public schools. The clinic is patterned after the NBA Cares programs in the US where the student-athletes are taught the S.T.A.R. values - Sportsmanship, Teamwork, positive Attitude, and Respect.

The clinic was conducted by former PBA player Ronnie Magsanoc and Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, with members of the Jr. NBA Philippine All-Star team assisting them.

The basketball court was also refurbished under the NBA Cares program, making the Marikina Heights Gym the first ever NBA Cares basketball court in the country.

“We thought of doing something for the kids who were affected by the typhoon. NBA Cares is not only about fun, it’s also about hope,” says Carlo Singson, senior manager, NBA Business development and marketing partnerships.

MORE NBA CLINICS AHEAD

The Jr. NBA initiative was introduced in the Philippines in 2007, and grew from 16 schools the first year to 200 schools last year.

This year, the Jr. NBA Philippines program in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), will be offered in the National Capital Region, Visayas and Davao, and will reach a record 300 schools and benefit approximately 30,000 students, parents and coaches.

“Maraming mga pangarap ang natupad dahil sa basketball. With dedication and hard work, these kids can reach their goals and dreams. Kaya dapat pagbutihin nila ang pag-aaral nila at paglalaro ng basketball para makapunta sila sa magandang kolehiyo,” says coach Ryan Gregorio. “Si James Yap nag-umpisang maglaro ng basketball nang walang sapatos, ngayon isa na sya sa pinakamagaling na manlalaro sa PBA.”

Last year, the best six players, namely Mark Jayven Tallo, Arc Gabrielle Araw-Araw and Adrian Roland Marvin Muller from Sacred Heart School in Cebu; Aldrin Fegidero from Pasay City South High School; Michael Jay Javelosa from Ateneo de Manila Grade School; and Carlo Escalambre from the Casa del Niño Montessori School in Isabela, were sent to the US to watch an NBA game live and was mentored by NBA Legend Ron Harper.

“In partnership with the coaches, parents, and educators, Jr. NBA will help provide these student-athletes with the tools to succeed both on and off the court,” says Scott Levy, senior vice president and managing director of NBA Asia.

School coaches and boys ages 12 to 14 can register for the program for free through the website www.nba.com/jrnba/philippines. The program will run from Jan. 16 to April 18.