3rd Ambassador’s Cup features three categories
By Joey Aguilar
Gulf Times Daily English Newspaper
Pictures by Ronnie Castro
DOHA: Filipino basketball players in Qatar aged 40 and above will now have the chance to show their skills at the 3rd Ambassador’s Cup that will start on January 31 at the QBF Multi-Purpose Training Gym.
The Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) has created a separate category dubbed as “Sobra Kwarenta” (more than forty), besides its inter-province and inter-school competitions this season.
Pat Carido, president of PIBAQ, said that at least six teams will be competing in this category. Tall players who were included in the drafting have been distributed to each of the teams to avoid any mismatches.
“We want to give our compatriots an opportunity to continue playing and at the same time, meeting new friends on the court,” he said. Tune-up matches of different teams competing for the league were held recently at the same venue.
Most of the coaches of teams which were included in the inter-province category will also play in the “Sobra Kwarenta”.
Many coaches, players and organizers have praised the initiative. Visayas coach Vern Calledo said it has leveled the playing field for many of the “oldies” who may no longer match the endurance and strength of young players competing in high-level games.
He noted that many players of his age or older also need to attend to numerous things such as their families, jobs and other affiliations.
“This will be an exciting league and we are hoping it will become part of the Ambassador’s Cup each season,” said Calledo.
Vince Billosero, 51, and some of his colleagues however reminded their compatriots not to push their limits during the games.
The PIBAQ president also announced that it was the first time they were launching the inter-province competition. Each of the six teams include top-calibre Filipino players and will represent a province or region from the Philippines. These players have been drafted from their “mother teams” competing in regular PIBAQ leagues.
Part of the events is a tourism promotions which will highlight “the beauty of each province” through a mini pageant. Judges will be selecting the “Best Muse” out of the six participants.
These teams include: Pangasinan, Pampanga, Manila, Visayas, Mindoro, and Batangas.
Pangasinan is known for its Hundreds Islands; Pampanga offers delicious local and international cuisine as well as numerous spas; Mindoro and Batangas have beautiful beach resorts and native coffee known as Kapeng Barako. Visayas on the other hand host a lot of festivals, annual events and historical places.
Batangas coach Ato Dingalasan believes that basketball unifies Filipinos in Qatar coming different provinces and cities in the Philippines.
“This spot had been an effective way to fight depression and loneliness,” he added.
Four school will compete in the inter-school basketball for the youth. Teams will include the Philippine school of Doha, Philippine International School Qatar, American School of Doha and Qatar University.
Ronald Go, a pioneering player of PIBAQ, disclosed that proceeds from the 3rd Ambassador’s Cup will be donated to victims of typhoon Haiyan.
About 22 different Filipino basketball leagues are organized each year by various groups.
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