Philippine Patriots give Pampanga kids early Yuletide treat

MANILA, Philippines—AirAsia crew and the Philippine Patriots turned an ordinary Saturday into a very special one for over 200 kids and teeners at the Angeles University Foundation Integrated School gym recently.

The final leg of the three-month long basketball clinic became a mini family day as AirAsia, the leading low-cost carrier in Asia, and the AirAsia PH Patriots taught the participants the rudiments of the sport.

The morning basketball workshop last Dec. 10 started with passing and dribbling techniques for kids six to 12 years old while the afternoon sessions for teeners 13 years and older focused on improving the participants’ shooting and passing skills.

“This is our way of giving back to the community,” said PBA Hall of Famer Billy Ray Bates. “We have been going around different communities in Clark, Caloocan and Quezon City since October and we are overwhelmed by the kids’ enthusiasm and energy.

“We hope that these young boys and girls learn the importance of discipline, hard work and other values which will come in handy when they grow up.”

Bates, who serves as the Patriots’ skills coach, conducted the clinic along with PH Patriots’ Marcy Arellano, Warren Ybanez, Al Vergara, Rob Wainright and Jonathan Fernandez.