Congress cites Heat coach

THE HOUSE of Representatives will honor Filipino-American basketball coach Erik Spoelstra after steering the Miami Heat to the 2012 National Basketball Association championship in a stirring finals series with the young Oklahoma City Thunder.

Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez Jr. filed House Resolution 2515 honoring Spoelstra for being the first coach with a Filipino lineage to win an NBA championship.

Spoelstra’s mother, Elisa Celino, hails from San Pablo City.

“The House of Representatives has traditionally paid tribute to outstanding Filipino achievers who have showcased their knowledge and talent in the international stage,” Golez said. “Coach Erick Spoelstra’s pride with his Filipino heritage is evident with his visits in the Philippines and his statements in the public.

“Spoelstra is one proud Filipino; you can see this with his actions and statements. He has visited the Philippines several times and even proudly proclaims his admiration with fellow Filipino achiever, Rep. Manny Pacquiao. The entire country should be thankful and honored with his achievements.”