With the development of the future basketball players of the country in mind, the National Basketball Training Center has opened its doors to more mentors and teachers.
For the 2019 Go for Gold-presented Coaches Convention, the NBTC has forged a partnership with the Department of Education to accommodate public school teachers and coaches in the event set from March 22 to 24 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The announcement was made during the event’s press conference, Tuesday afternoon at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Capitol Commons, Pasig City.
NBTC founder Eric Altamirano said that they came up with the idea to link up with the DepEd when they noticed that there had been a noticeable increase in terms of the attendance of coaches from public schools in the annual event.
“We noticed na maraming public schools na sumasali, so what better way to serve them is through partnering with DepEd,” said Altamirano, who founded the NBTC along with Alaska Aces head coach Alex Compton over a decade ago.
“Kasi kung magkakaroon kami ng partnership with DepEd, then we will be able to accommodate more public schools sa program.”
The decorated bench strategist said that the DepEd warmly welcomed their idea, as the Coaches Convention will help the coaches since this year’s edition features the brightest of minds not only in the sport of basketball.
Headlining the speakers is Tab Baldwin, who will talk about the importance of having peace in the midst of pressure. Former Australia Boomers head coach Rob Beveridge will talk about the fundamentals of playing basketball. Joining the stellar cast are Nash Racela, Dr. George Canlas, and Singaporean youth coach Ardy Abello.
“They welcome this partnership and excited din sila na mabigyan ng opportunities yung mga public school coaches and teachers, kasi alam mo naman ang mga programa sa’tin puro nasa private schools.”
Over 1,500 coaches are expected to attend the convention – backed by Go for Gold and Gatorade – at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.