A CLASSIC legends’ showcase featuring former stars of the Philippine Basketball Association is being planned in September as the initial project of the Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas, in cooperation with the PBA.
“We sought the PBA’s support and they gave us a warm reception especially because this in an event for a cause,” said former Crispa superstar Atoy Co, the president of their newly formed foundation looking to raise funds to support former PBA players who hit hard times in life.
Another former Crispa star in Philip Cezar is the vice president, former Toyota player Ed Cordero is the secretary, Allan Caidic is the treasurer, while Alvin Patrimonio, Kenneth Duremdes, Jojo Lastimosa, Pido Jarencio and Art dela Cruz are board members.
“They put up a foundation that will be ready to help their peers. We’re cooperating with them and we’re giving them all-out support,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
Co and his group sat down in an initial meeting with Marcial recentl in the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City.
“Tutulungan natin lumakas ‘yung foundation. Kapag lumakas ‘yon, marami silang matutulungan na nangangailangang dating kasamahan,” said Marcial.
BMPI-UNTV Chairman and CEO Daniel Razon conceived the concept of establishing a foundation to benefit former PBA players.
Razon broached the idea to Co, who is the commissioner of his UNTV Cup.
UNTV has donated seed money of P1 Million to get the operations moving.
Marcial encouraged the SDPBP to hold projects like concert, movie premieres, golf tournament or basketball games to raise funds for the association.