Its recognition in the Top 10 of the SPIA Asia is expected to add a big boost to the Philippine Superliga, especially with the inclusion of a grassroots sports program through the Collegiate Grand Slam set to start on Nov. 3.
PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico reiterated his appreciation to the organizers of SPIA Asia Awards and Conference, who nominated the PSL as one of the 10 finalists in the Best Women Sports Event Category in its Awards Night on Nov. 19 and 20 in Bangkok.
The PSL is the only finalist from the Philippines.
Also in the elite list of finalists are the organizers of 19th AFC Women’s Asian Cup of Jordan, the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship of Thailand, the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship Trophy of South Korea and the BNP Paribas WTA Finals of Singapore.
Juico said being part of this elite list is already a major honor.
“It is the Oscar Award of Sports in Asia,” said Juico, former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission and president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association.
“That’s why we’re so grateful to the organizers of the SPIA Asia Awards and Conference—MMC Sportz—for recognizing our hard work, dedication and sincere advocacy in boosting women’s volleyball in the Philippines,” he added.
Juico said the nomination for the prestigious award came at a very perfect time as they are about to roll out their contribution to grassroots volleyball from the CGS.
Featuring six of the country’s best collegiate teams in University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, University of the East, Far Eastern University, Colegio San Agustin and De La Salle-Dasmarinas, the CGS aims to give young players a chance to compete at a higher level using the technology and standards of the premier club league in the country.
With that, they will be equipped to join the club and national ranks as soon as they finish their academic and athletic commitments with their respective university teams.
“This is our contribution to grassroots volleyball,” said Juico, adding that they would also implement all existing PSL rules and allow college players to use tablet and challenge system during actual competition.
“Since we want to prepare these college players for what lies ahead in the PSL and the national team, we’re more than willing to give them valuable experiences on how it feels playing in the league. The earlier they start, the better for their respective volleyball careers.”