PH tries to break basketball marathon record

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will attempt to break the world record in basketball marathon when the Philippine Basketball Marathon unfolds  March 24 at Meralco Gym in Pasig.

Americans Chuck Williams, Jeffery Moore and Tony Tatar, all Guinness world basketball marathon record holders, volunteered to participate in the fund-raising event to help victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

The organizing Asian Cable Enterprises Inc. (Access) is holding the event in partnership with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to raise funds to build houses with help of Gawad Kalinga.

“When they heard of the noble event, they immediately contacted us,” said Discovery-Access chief operating officer Jacque Ruby.

Williams is now playing a major role as event consultant.

“Chuck is providing us key insights in order to set a new record,” Ruby said.

The players in the 30-man team that will attempt to break the world record are still undergoing medical evaluation and panel interviews.

Williams, Moore and Tatar were with the Missouri Athletic Club group that played marathon basketball for a record 112 hours and 13 seconds in St. Louis, Missouri on March 21 to 25, 2012.

“It is truly an honor to play with a group who cares enough for the well being of others,” said Williams.

“This is more than an effort to play the longest basketball game ever. It is an event about survival, resilience and recovery.”

“For me, this event holds even extra meaning as my wife’s mother, Emilia Mascunana Saner, is from Bacolod. It will be an extra treat to visit her homeland and help,” said Tatar.