Israel Embassy holds basketball clinic for abused children
At A Glance
- Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss is leaving a meaningful parting gift as he nears the end of his tenure in the Philippines, partnering with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Laura Vicuña Foundation in holding a basketball clinic Thursday, July 17, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
By ANGELO CAPARAS
Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss is leaving a meaningful parting gift as he nears the end of his tenure in the Philippines, partnering with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Laura Vicuña Foundation in holding a basketball clinic Thursday, July 17, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Fluss emphasized that sports can play a key role in building both mental and physical well-being of children.
“Sports is one of those ways to build people a mentally and of course, physically. It’s very healthy," he said. “I think this will empower the girls and also give them more tools for a better future."
The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3x3 team led the way and turned the court into a safe space, teaching and uplifting 17 female participants who had gone through traumatic experiences in the past.
Fluss also shared that he was grateful for the Gilas squad’s partnership with the embassy.
“Today is another contribution to help them [victims] build a better future for themselves,” he added.
Salesian Sister of St. John Bosco Marivic Santa Ana said that she reminded the youth that nothing is impossible, as long as they are given the opportunity.
Santa Ana also said that most of the participants came from broken families and carried painful pasts, but through sports, they were able to channel their energy and rediscover the joy and spirit of being a child once more.
This was the second consecutive year that the Embassy of Israel, SBP, and the Laura Vicuña Foundation joined forces for a project dedicated to helping female teens heal from past traumas.