Xavier@60 Cup highlights host’s anniversary rites

MANILA, Philippines - Xavier School celebrated its 60th anniversary recently by staging the Xavier@60 Basketball Cup, bringing together for the first time since 2013 member schools of the defunct Tiong Lian league.

Backed by Panpisco Safety, Orocan, Mighty Sports and Summit Water, the event at the Xavier Sports Center in San Juan drew commitment from Chiang Kai Shek College, Grace Christian, Hope Christian, St. Jude Catholic and St. Stephen’s High, raising hopes for a revival of the premier Chinese league in the country.

The tournament is one of the many activities to celebrate six decades of holistic education and development. It showcased the school’s legacy in basketball, particularly its strong foundational program that has produced athletes who have competed in the collegiate and professional levels, among them, Jeron Teng, Jeric Teng, Chris Tiu, Woody Co, Tyrone Tang, Joseph Yeo, Jet Manuel (UP), Kyles Lao (UP), Paolo Pe (UST), Daryl Lim (UP), Robin Tan (UST) and Tyler Tio (AdMU).

Fr. Ari Dy, SJ, president of Xavier School, officially declared the tournament open and presided over the ceremonial toss.

The tournament follows a single round-robin format, leading to the top two teams competing for the championship, and the next two playing for third place during the Finals on Sept. 11.