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 “In Pursuit for Basketball Excellence” Mississauga - The band was playing, teams marching, people clapping, cheering their hearts out, the gym filled to the rafters, cameras rolling with countless flashes and rushing parents trying to get to the front from the long line up and crowded hallways, one can feel the vibrant atmosphere, the excitement in the air, the fun, the organized chaos… it’s the opening ceremonies of the 13th PHYBA Winter League at the T.L. Kennedy Secondary School, November 15, 2008. Everyone was high on excitement. Once again, PHYBA came out with a ceremony in style. The high standard of PHYBA opening ceremonies was always characterized by the orderly parade of team colours, full club participation, disciplined teams, short program and dazzling entertainment. It’s all excitement with the focus for youth participation. There are 85 teams slated to play with approximately 1,300 plus players that are participating from 27 clubs. This is an unprecedented number and higher from last year season. Mr. Rowan Barrett, a NBA professional and Canada National team captain was the honoured guest speaker. Leaders of the community that attended the ceremonies as honoured guests and PHYBA supporters are: Julius Tiangson of the Gateway Centre of the New Canadians, Dr. Christie Gamo, Ron Yeung of Canada Basketball and Steve Nash Youth Basketball, Victor Owuso of VMO Inc. and leaders of participating clubs as well as the representatives of the supporters for the rep-teams who went to Winnipeg tournaments. The Miss FBANA muse, Janessa Ramos , led the PHYBA Rep-teams at the parade. “Everyone must work very hard to be successful in basketball and in life” ……. Rowan Barrett, Olympian and NBA professional player. Mr. Rowan Barrett, in his speech, always emphasized the value of working hard, not only aims for good, but the best from everyone in striving for the best in life and the value of physical fitness as well. He related his experiences from the beginning, to the successful basketball star as he was. As one of the outstanding basketball professional in the world and Canada in particular, he is now involved and supporter for youth cause. He inspired PHYBA youth players as their role model in our community as he always supported good causes and fitness and wellness as an activity that is very close to his heart. “To achieve the best in life, finish school, work hard for your dreams”, as he casually but emphatically motivated the PHYBA young players. Agnes Villanueva, PHYBA Chair of the Board, in her welcome remarks, thanks the parents of all players for letting PHYBA be a part of the lives of their children as she emphasized the values, life skills that emanates from playing basketball. She informed the audience that PHYBA is now moving from developmental stage to the next level of training program to a highly competitive phase. ”This is a natural direction that we have to face and move toward the pursuit of excellence”., she emphasized. She also introduced the PHYBA Executive team that organized the league as follows: Geopo Dacanay, Executive Director, Manuel Villamor, Executive Sports Director, Kernel Cacalda, Asst. Sports Director and responsible for Operations, Ester Pagsisihan, Director for Administration, Divina Agub, Director for Socials and Fundraising, Edwin Ylagan, Coordinator for RepTeams and Development and herself, Agnes Villanueva, Chairperson of the Board and Finance Director. “PHYBA is moving towards a higher level of training programs in pursuit for excellence”… Agnes Villanueva, Board Chairperson. Geopo Dacanay, PHYBA Executive Director, acknowledged the corporate sponsors and supporters of PHYBA. “ I couldn’t acknowledge enough what the community sponsors are giving for our youth. They are our professional partners and will play key roles in all our youth programs as important as the support we are getting from the parents.” He also mentioned the most valuable asset of PHYBA, the many volunteer parents acting in a capacity as managers, coaches, trainers and team boosters. “Without our volunteers, the association couldn’t function. Our volunteers are the spirit of PHYBA as a whole.” Meanwhile, Manuel Villamor, Executive Sports Director, in his official opening of the games, declared the importance of fair play and clean competition. “It’s not only winning as the goal but respecting each other is equally important in playing basketball,” he said. Experienced PHYBA Executives led by Ester Pagsisihan, Kernel Cacalda,Divina Agub and Edwin Ylagan, made the opening affair a smooth-flow operation. Members from other clubs, Mark Villegas, Hywell Nanes, Ricky dela Vina and Vincent Trinidad also supported at the opening preparations. The BP International Orchestra under the direction of Jack Malixi, conductor, gave the whole event a regalia of music that made the occasion more colourful and exciting. Their music made all the marching and team entrance a grand one. For the entertainment PHYBA audience and players alike enjoyed the dazzling performance of Gateway centre Hip Hop Ensembe, and the cute Milton Stags Dancers, Mica Borlongan, Nikki Ylagan . The whole parade and ceremony was done in less than an hour. For sure this standard of PHYBA will move forward and will promise lots of hope and an exciting season till spring. The following are participating clubs for 2008 – 2009 PHYBA WINTER LEAGUE:
1. ACEBA Elites
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