Bayanihan vital in FIBAWC23 hosting

MANILA, Philippines — Volunteers who embody the spirit of “bayanihan” are expected to play a major role as the country stages the FIBA Basketball World Cup next year.

Five hundred highly-motivated volunteers coming from different sectors including varsities, students and professionals, are in line to complement the local organizing committee’s workforce for this major undertaking.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio underscored the importance of volunteers in ensuring the success of the hosting.

“We have an LOC with right now about 80-plus people. But hosting this magnitude of an event, we do need a big pool of volunteers,” Panlilio said during the launch of the World Cup Volunteers Program Wednesday.

“Importante ito kasi we want to ensure that the experience of the players and even the fans and also the officials of FIBA are excellent and with that the warmth of the Filipinos. So talagang importante ang contribution ng volunteers.”

Among the first to commit personnel to the Volunteers Program is the MVP Group, according to SBP vice president and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas.

Representatives from universities like National U, Mapua and Perpetual Help also said they will encourage their students to sign up as volunteers.

According to organizers, interested applicants must be at least 18 or turning 18 by Aug. 1, 2023; fluent in English and Filipino (knowledge of a third foreign language is a plus); fit to render work; confident and comfortable dealing with stressful situations and conflict; fully-vaccinated; and Philippine residents.

There are several areas to choose from: Sports, Venues, Games Services, International Relations and Protocol, Safety and Security, FIBA World Congress and more.

Interested applicants may now register at www.fbwc2023.rosterfy.co/register. For questions and inquiries, send an email to [email protected].