Kind hearts

When news broke out about Z Gorres going into comma when he collapsed after a fight in Las Vegas a day before Manny Pacquiao beat Miguel Cotto, many people have come forward to offer assistance.

Z’s worried family had sought solace in the thought that many really care for the fighter, who then was fighting for his life in a hospital in the United States.

Z remains in the hospital, albeit out of danger, the kindness of people and the management of the ALA Boxing Club have also helped boost the morale of his wife and kids.

Yesterday afternoon, Paul Hubahib, who is Sec. Cerge Remonde’s man in Cebu, called me up to ask how he could contact Z’s wife, Datches.

It turned out that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), which was tasked by President Gloria Arroyo to provide assistance to Gorres has prepared a check for P100,000 as aid to the boxer’s family.

The turn over is set this December 4 at Malacañang sa Sugbo with PSC Commissioner Fr. Vic Uy to hand over the check to Datches.

When I reached the office I also got word that Capitol, through Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, has also released P100,000 to Gorres’ family.

There are many more efforts to help his family including the one being initiated by The Freeman’s chairman Jose ‘Dodong’ Gullas, who is also executive vice president of the University of the Visayas, Gorres’ school.

Sir Dodong called up several days ago to tell us that the school, which is best known being “the university with a heart,” is also going to raise funds for the boxer.

The actions of those who show that they care have not only touched the hearts of Z’s family, but also that of many others in the sports community.

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Inside the basketball court, Shaquille O’Neal is a menacing presence. Standing a shade over seven feet tall and weighing over 300 pounds would really make somebody intimidating.

Well, Shaq’s been branded a lot of times as a “cry baby” because of the time he spends off the court due to some minor injury, but the man definitely has a soft heart.

I came across a story on the website of CNN yesterday about how Shaq paid for the funeral of a five-year-old girl from North Carolina, whose body was found six days after she was reported missing.

The victim, Shaniya Davis, was believed to have been kidnapped, raped and murdered.

In a statement released by the Cleveland Cavaliers (yes, Shaq now plays alongside LeBron James), the team said that Shaq was touched by the story that he came across on the Nancy Grace Show.

He was quoted as saying, “What happened to her was tragic. I wanted her to have a funeral that would be as beautiful as she was.”

Shaq is also a volunteer for law enforcement agencies and has been active in causes that deal with issues of domestic violence especially child abuse.

This is the way professional athletes should act to inspire their fans to also do good.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings go to my mistah Jojo Andres, who turns a year older today. The same goes to Toyota’s Rose Sarmiento and another former student of mine Jo-Ann Pregoner-Tomada, and artist Karl Roque.

Tomorrow’s greetings go to Audrey ‘Apple’ Alturas, Verona Viajar, and Fred Umabong. Advance greetings also go to Hayley Kwan-Faustino, who turns a year older on Monday,

More power to all of you!