Gumabao inspires kids in Powercamp

MANILA, Philippines -  Volleyball star Michelle Gumabao knows the virtue of sending children to training camps and teaching them the fundamentals of the sport.

“To encourage them, push them and make them confident enough to venture out of their comfort zones,’’ said Gumabao, who graced the Alaska Powercamp that featured basketball, volleyball and football clinics for kids in Baguio City recently.

As camp director of the Alaska Volleyball Powercamp at the University of Baguio gym, Gumabao shared her expertise on attacking the net as well as instilling the values of discipline, hard work, team work and sportsmanship that made her a Finals MVP in UAAP Season 75 while playing for La Salle.

“A lot of these kids are not into sports. We really target those who don’t know how to play and those who are just starting out,” said the opposite hitter.

The Alaska Powercamp made the most out of the summer months for children by engaging them in the three most popular team sports in the country, instead of spending their time tinkering with their cellphones or playing video games at home.

A total of 219 kids, including 24 girls, also took part in the Alaska Basketball Powercamp at the Philippine Military Academy gym for eight days under Alaska Aces assistant coach and camp director Jeffrey Cariaso.

Football camp director Tomas Lozano also facilitated a week-long clinic at the Benguet State University pitch.