US Embassy helps boost ties with baseball, cage clinics

MANILA, Philippines — Hoping to strengthen the bond between the United States and the Philippines, the US Embassy is reaching out to the Filipinos through sports.

US Ambassador Philip Goldberg threw the first pitch in a baseball game Sunday at Rizal Memorial Baseball Field after earlier giving a pep talk to over 200 youngsters in a basketball training camp at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Sports brings people together. In fact, it’s a great diplomatic tool over the years, over the decades,” Goldberg told the Inquirer.

Organized by the US Embassy with the help of the Philippine Sports Commission, the clinics for baseball and basketball attracted about 800 kids aged eight to 18 who were taught the fundamentals of both sports for two days.

Rick Dell, Major League Baseball’s director of game development, facilitated the training camp for baseball while the Alaska Aces, led by former assistant coach and PBA star Jojo Lastimosa, shared their knowledge of the game to aspiring dribblers.

The twin events were part of the embassy’s “America in 3D” weekend-long road show at SM Mall of Asia, which showcased American culture and embassy services.

“We’re very thankful that the US Embassy is giving focus to sports,” said PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez. “I’m glad they have been able to do a good outreach with us.”