Cebu basketball gets big boost, Alaska ties up with CYBL; launches year-round developmental program

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu basketball got a major boost after the Alaska Basketball Cup-Cebu, a year-long developmental program for aspiring hoopsters, was formally launched yesterday at Yayo's Grill and Restobar. The event was led by Alaska Milk Sports Development Head Dicky Bachmann and Basketball Camp Director Jojo Lastimosa.

"A lot of Cebuanos came and played when we conducted basketball camps in Manila. We just want to give back, that’s why we are launching here in Cebu City," said Lastimosa.

"I know there are a lot of talent here in Cebu and we want to give them the opportunity to play basketball and enhance their skills more and learn values such as teamwork, determination, discipline, and hardwork."

The ABC-Cebu is a partnership between Alaska Milk and the Cebu Youth Basketball League (CYBL).

"It's a perfect tie-up of Alaska and CYBL because we share common goals for a development program up to the grassroots level," said Bachmann.

The CYBL was formed in 2007 because there were not enough basketball activities for boys 16 and under. Cebu needed a solid year-round program of activities for these boys. CYBL thus became an important venue for players to hone their skills in basketball.

"CBYL being recognized as one of the biggest and well-known youth tournaments in Cebu is a big plus for us in Alaska. We tied up with them because they’ve been there for many years and we share the same vision of continuing the tradition of developing basketball champions in the south and continue to discover and give opportunities for the talented children through a basketball youth program," said Lastimosa.

"We’re launching the Alaska Basketball Cup first in the South. We also have plans of expanding and holding similar competitions in other places such as Davao, Lucena and, of course, Metro Manila next year," added for former PBA superstar.

CYBL started with just four teams and one age group in 2007. It has since grown into 35 teams with three age groups (Under 11, 13 and 16) in 2011. Now in its seventh year, CYBL and Alaska Milk are proud to announce their partnership.

The ABC-Cebu will include three conferences throughout the year starting January 2014 and a coaches’ program, which will be held sometime in December.

It is in line with Alaska Milk’s program and dream to touch more children in the Philippines and encourage these young champions to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle through shooting hoops.

After Cebu, the Cup will launch similar competitions in Metro Manila, Lucena and Davao.

Boys will be encouraged to develop their skills to the fullest because they will compete against athletes of the same age as well as physical and mental development.

Alaska does not just sell milk products. It also helps in community development and nation building by nurturing positive values of teamwork, cooperation and fair play through sports activities like the Alaska Power Camp, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and the Alaska Basketball Cup. Likewise, Alaska leads in promoting a healthy lifestyle, especially among children, through regular sports activities and proper nutrition.

Schools, institutions and individuals who may want more information on the Alaska Basketball Cup may log on to www.alaskapowercamp.com/basketball. One may also like us on our Facebook page, Alaska Basketball Power Camp or follow us on twitter; @ALASKAsportshub.— EBV from PR (FREEMAN)