Austria tells Sariaya youth: Don’t give up on sporting dreams

San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria leads the distribution of basketballs during a recent gift-giving activity for young residents of the San Miguel-Christian Gayeta Homes in Sariaya, Quezon. CONTRIBUTED

San Miguel Beer champion coach Leo Austria urged the youth in his hometown Sariaya, Quezon province, to continue chasing their sporting dreams amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Austria, who steered the Beermen to five straight all-Filipino championships before yielding the throne last season, said facilities put up by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) will provide young athletes a platform to showcase their skills as they aim for athletic excellence.

“I came from here, too, and made it all the way to the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association),” Austria said in Filipino as he joined PBA legend and four-time most valuable player (MVP) Alvin Patrimonio and local officials during the recent inauguration of new facilities of the 5.4-hectare San Miguel-Christian Gayeta Homes, which include a covered and concrete basketball court—among others.

“They should just continue to persevere and take advantage of the presence of San Miguel here,” the 1985 PBA rookie of the year added.

Also among the facilities unveiled were a livelihood center, an e-library and a children’s learning center.

Austria reiterated his thanks to SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang for taking care of 127 families who relocated to the P352-million sustainable housing community from the risky coastal areas of Sariaya.

Austria won eight championships with the powerhouse Beermen, including a dynastic run in the Philippine Cup featuring six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.

But with Fajardo decommissioned by a leg injury, San Miguel surrendered its crown last season, with sister team Barangay Ginebra succeeding it as champion.