Senate honors newly crowned Jones Cup champ PH Smart-Gilas

The Senate commends the Philippines Smart-Gilas team for winning the 2012 Jones Cup in Taiwan recently. PHOTO/MATIKAS SANTOS

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate commended Monday the Philippines Smart-Gilas team for winning the 34th William Jones Cup in Taiwan, besting international basketball teams including the United States.

“These athletes should serve as role models for our youth, encouraging them to engage and excel in sports and exemplify the value of hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, discipline, and humility,” Senator Pia Cayetano said.

“The team and its members have truly given honor and pride to the country and the Filipino people,” she added.

Senator Sergio Osmeña III said he was “very proud of what [the team has] done for the country, and I hope they get more victories.”

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano praised the team for their win in the international basketball stage where countries with taller players dominated, despite many problems in the local sporting level.

“This team is not without issues and problems, but this team has shown that even if you are shorter in height but you are bigger in heart [you can win],” Cayetano said.