Americans here for basketball marathon

MANILA, Philippines - Three Americans, who are part of the current basketball marathon record holders, are flying in to help the Filipinos in an attempt to break the standing world record in the Philippine Basketball Marathon that kicks off March 24 at the Meralco Gym.

Chuck Williams, Jeffery Moore and Tony Tatar, all Guinness world record holders, volunteered to participate in the fund-raising event in their sincere hope to be of help to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The organizing Asian Cable Enterprises Inc. (Access) is holding the event in partnership with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to raise funds to build houses (with the help of Gawad Kalinga) for the victims of the calamity.

“When they heard of the noble event, they immediately contacted us, expressing great interest to help. Then I met them personally in my recent trip to the US,” said Discovery-ACCESS chief operating officer Jaque Ruby.

Williams is now playing a major role, acting like an event consultant with his great insights and guidance.

“Chuck is providing us key insights and sharing experiences in order for us to succeed and set a new world record. We are just overwhelmed with his sincere effort to help us. He, Tony, and Jeff shall be our players’ big brothers,” Ruby pointed out.

The others completing the 30-man roster that will attempt to break the world record are still undergoing medical evaluation and panel interviews.

Williams, Moore and Tatar were with the Missouri Athletic Club group that played marathon basketball for a record 112 hours and 13 seconds in St. Louis, Missouri on March 21 to 25, 2012.

“It is truly an honor to play with a group who care enough for the well being of others,” said Williams. “This is more than an effort to play the longest basketball game ever. It is an event about survival, resilience, recovery, and compassion.”

“I look at the devastation from Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) and know of the needs of so many families there,” said Moore. “When people need your help and you have the means to do so, no matter how small or large your contribution, you must act.”

“For me, this event holds even extra meaning as my wife’s mother, Emilia Mascunana Saner, is from Bacolod. It will be an extra treat to visit her homeland and help,” said Tatar.

All three look forward to the challenge in the Philippine Basketball Marathon sponsored by Mitsubishi, Yakult, Ace Hardware, Medical City, Lamoiyan, Bacchus, Burlington, Gerry’s Grill, Fern-C, Quiznos, Molten, Crocs, Accel, Coleman, Gong Cha, Iwata, Innovatronix, Timex, God’s Gym, SL Agritech, GNc, HTC, Lazada, PG Flex, Security Bank, Gatorade, Canon, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Power Mac, Spenco, Polar, FHM, Spin PH, Slam PH, Business World, Discovery Channel, YouTube and Pioneer Insurance.