National girls softball unfolds

MANILA, Philippines - The Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) completes its school-based girls’ softball developmental program with the week-long National Girls’ Secondary Softball Tournament starting today in Marikina.

Presented by Cebuana Lhuillier, the tournament has attracted 11 entries, including several provincial teams.

The participants are host city team from Marikina, Antipolo, Pasig, Manila, Makati, La Salle-Zobel, Woodrose from Alabang, Muntinlupa, Rizal Province, Nueva Ecija, and two teams from Bulacan representing San Miguel and Sta. Maria.

“We are preparing our year round softball program for 2013, highlight of which is our participation in the men’s World Softball Championship in New Zealand in March,” said Asaphil president Jean Henri Lhuillier whose PJL group of companies, including Pera Padala, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, Le Soleil de Boracay, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions, plus Phiten, is sponsoring the event.

“The event gives us a good start and it will expand our grassroots program for the sport,” he added.

Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman, together with Asaphil secretary-general Danny Francisco will be the special guests at the simple opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. today at the Sto.Niño softball park in Marikina.

Tournament format and schedule of games will depend on the actual number of teams participating, according to Asaphil’s Jun Veloso.