RECOGNIZING Cagayan de Oro as the breeding ground of sporting greats, the first ever MVPSF Youth Basketball League (MYBL) had been launched here on July 13 at the Corpus Christi gym.

The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation (MVPSF), Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), Local Government of Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu Landmasters, Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), Balibago Waterworks System, Inc., CDO Basketball Federation, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS-X).

There are three categories in MYBL such as the 12-under, 15-under, and 18-under category wherein 31 teams from different schools of Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Iligan, and Misamis Oriental have participated in a series of basketball games.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno expressed his joy and gratitude to the private groups and government organizations which brought this initiative to the city to show support to the youth in the field of sports.

In his message, lawyer Jang Moreno, MVPSF Community, Sports and Youth Development head, said that Cagayan de Oro was chosen as venue for the MYBL because of its ideal and strategic location as well as the overwhelming talents and potentials of the aspiring youths in Northern Mindanao.

Some famous personalities from the Philippine Basketball Association came to grace the opening ceremony and launching such as James Yap, Bo Belga, JV Mocon and PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.

MVPSF Youth Basketball league is just one of the numerous programs being lined up by the private sector especially MVP Sports Foundation and the local government to further improve and develop the performance of the region in the field of sports. (PR)