The Pasig City local government unveiled on Tuesday, Sept. 5, the newly renovated basketball court in Barangay Sta. Cruz, which is a joint project with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
The event was attended by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagkilis, SBP President Al Panlililo, Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis from the Embassy of Greece, along with other FIBA, SBP, barangay and city officials.
The SBP referred to it as a "personal project" between Panlililo and Zagkilis to "give back to the sport that has given them so much and inspire a young generation of basketball players in the community."
The renovations included the improvement and painting of court flooring and bleachers, installation of LED lights, and replacement of the scoreboard, acrylic backboard, and rim.
Despite not being able to personally attend the games, Sotto expressed his gratitude for the inclusion of Pasig City in FIBA's roster of activities.
"Hindi man makanood ng live, masaya pa rin tayo sa Pasig City dahil kasama tayo sa mga events para sa FIBA World Cup (We might not be able to watch live, but we are still happy here in Pasig City since we are part of the events for the FIBA World Cup)," the mayor said in a social media post.
He thanked the artists who contributed their time, talents, and skills in beautifying the court, especially the colorful flooring.
Sotto said the city government continues to renovate dilapidated courts in the city with the help of private donors, in order to give proper and safe places for the youth to play various kinds of sports.
"We continue to promote sports in the City of Pasig," he remarked.
He also congratulated FIBA and SBP for a "successful World Cup win in the Philippines so far."
The event drew crowds of spectators from the barangay, as well as local basketball teams and enthusiasts, who were eager to see the improved court and watch the exhibition game after the ceremony.
A ceremonial ball toss between local basketball players was conducted to officially inaugurate the court.
In keeping with the mayor's "ceremonial free throw shots," which he usually does when opening a new basketball court in the city, Sotto successfully scored a free back throw shot which drew a loud cheer from the attendees.