C. Lhuillier Sports launched

AS ONE athlete came forward to share his own story, the sense of fulfillment was palpable on sports patron Jean Henri Lhuillier of Cebuana Lhuillier.

But that only fueled the businessman and his company’s drive of solidifying their advocacy of helping sports. And while he’s hoping more corporate sponsors would come in, Lhuillier is glad he’s had the opportunity to do his part in sports development.

“There has to be more private support for sports,” said Lhuillier during a recent media gathering to launch Cebuana Lhuillier Sports. “It should be a collective effort.”

Cebuana has focused its efforts on helping basketball, softball, tennis and bowling. The results have been impressive with talents like tennis standout Francis Casey Alcantara and basketball star Dondon Hontiveros among the products of the program.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be part of the program,” said Hontiveros. “Cebuana gave me an opportunity to become the player I am today. They took care of me early in my career.”

Alcantara recently graduated from Pepperdine University on a tennis scholarship after he was discovered in the Cebuana age group tennis tournament in Cagayan De Oro.

Another beneficiary of the program is bowler Enzo Hernandez.

“It’s nice to see our athletes grow and become leaders,” said Lhuillier.