Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Richard Del Rosario believes that organizations from the private sector have a big role to play in the growth of Philippine national teams and athletes.
Del Rosario, who was part of De La Salle University’s championship squads in UAAP seasons 52 and 53, advocated for more private sector support during Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc.’s thanksgiving party last Tuesday for Gilas’ successful campaign in the 19th Asian Games.
“I think it’s huge especially for Yamaha,” said Tim Cone’s deputy. “As I mentioned earlier, Yamaha has been supporting Gilas Pilipinas when times were tough.
“They stuck with the team. They stuck with the program and right now it’s fitting also that we recognize Yamaha now that we’re celebrating the gold,” he continued.
“I think it’s very important for the private sector to really support sporting programs, not only basketball but other sports as well because it’s a continuing journey. We don’t stop here. We move on.”
Now that Gilas has finally ended the Philippines’ 61-year drought in the Asiad, the next question is how the program will prepare for upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics qualification campaign.
It has been 51 years since the country has participated in the Olympics. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas banked on the eventuality that Gilas will be the highest ranked Asian nation in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 but it just was not meant to be.
Undertaking such a monumental task requires cooperation from multiple stakeholders. Gilas will need all the help it can get from the likes of Yamaha for it to achieve this goal.
This endeavor may be very difficult to achieve but as seen with the team’s Asiad success, decade-long droughts eventually end and dreams do come true. All that is needed is some help from partners who believe in the team and the program.
“Hopefully, later on, we can achieve our dream of qualifying for the Olympics,” said Del Rosario. “If we do that, hopefully we can be competitive. It would take everybody’s help. Not only the government, of course the PBA and all the stakeholders but also the private sector.
“They play a huge role. That’s why we’re very thankful to Yamaha for continuing to support Gilas Pilipinas.”
