RP clouters out to regain crown

MANILA, Philippines - The International Little League Association of Manila (ILLAM) banners the six-team Philippine contingent in the South East Asia Youth Baseball and Softball Tournament (SEAYBST) which got under way yesterday in Jakarta.

The Philippines is competing in five age groups from 11-18 year categories in the seven-day tournament, which includes teams from Bangkok, Perth, Jakarta and Singapore. Events on tap are the minor, major and senior boys divisions as well as major and senior girls classes.

The RP clouters are out to regain the overall championship after scoring a grand slam from 2005-08. Singapore won last year’s overall crown at the Ateneo de Manila University grounds.

“We are joining in this tournament to develop more players for the Little League National and Asia-Pacific Regional tournaments,” said Rene Banzon, ILLAM president. “I am happy to say that our solid grassroots program for baseball and softball has reaped us rewards and recognition.”

Manila SEAYBST tournament director Mike Ozaeta said the RP bets remain a powerhouse in the region with the delegation confident of regaining the crown. The event also serves as a venue for the Filipinos to hone their baseball and softball talent and skills.

Backing up the RP teams in the event are Aboitiz Power Corp., Globe Telecom, Fast Logistics, Pilmico Foods, Belman Laboratories and First Life. The sponsors will also be supporting ILLAM in the Little League 2010 Philippine Series slated April 20-9 in Daet, Camarines Norte.

ILLAM has been representing the country in the annual Asia Pacific tournament as well as in the Little League World Series since 2006 with the goal of clinching the World Series title and the Asia Pacific Region crown.