Tuesday, October 28, 2008 VAAA founder lashes back at Cesafi
VISAYAS Amateur Athletic Association (VAAA) founder and Cebu City Councilor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba hit back at the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) after the board recently voted, 6-1, not to allow its members to join the fledgling collegiate basketball tournament.
Alcoseba called a press conference at his office at Cebu City Hall yesterday to react on Cesafi’s decision.
However, spared the school owners from his diatribes and instead trained his guns on Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy, who he described as “divisive.”
“The Cesafi board should know that what we do (in VAAA) is a complement to their sports program. It is not for personal or monetary gain but for development of the players as VAAA provides exposure not just to Cesafi member schools but also to other teams outside of Cebu. We did this because we love basketball not like Tiukinhoy who is so divisive and is against to the growth of basketball in Cebu,” Alcoseba said.
Permission
Sun.Star Cebu called Tiukinhoy last night but he declined to comment.
“For the moment, I will try to stay silent with regards to what Yayoy had said. I want to know first what he did say and I will refer it to the school owners if I will be allowed to answer. I need to ask their permission with regards to these matters,” Tiukinhoy said.
During the press conference, Alcoseba accused Tiukinhoy of influencing the school owners to make a decision.
“I believe Tiukinhoy is trying to manipulate the (Cesafi) Board. He initiated this move and influenced the schools owners to make an unfavorable decision. Instead of unifying for a common cause, Tiukinhoy is dividing us.
It’s a pity for both players and the schools. Players are looking forward to another competitive tournament, while schools are giving out a year-round scholarship to these players,” said Alcoseba.
According to Alcoseba, Tiukinhoy’s reason of conflicting schedules isn’t enough.
The VAAA will start next month, while Cesafi is also set to stage the Partners Cup, its own post-season tournament for basketball teams. Aside from the Partners Cup, Cesafi is also planning to send its best 12 players to play in a tournament in Hong Kong.
“I have been a basketball man for all my adult life. I know what the needs are of the players and the schools who gave them scholarship. Again VAAA is not competing with Cesafi but if Tiukinhoy would insist on it, let this message reach to him—VAAA will not stand down because we know what we are doing, while he is just trying to dictate us,” said Alcoseba.
With or without Cesafi member teams, VAAA will push through but Alcoseba admitted that the level of the competition will be affected. (RCM)
