MIAMI Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra had his hands full as he started to give basketball trainings and health tips to interested children and soon to be collegiate players in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
After gracing media interviews and spearheading the biggest NBA Fit program in Southeast Asia at the SM North Edsa over the weekend, Spoelstra visited on Monday the Manila Boys Town in Marikina City, where 40 kids underwent basketball drills.
“I am awed by the passion that my fellow Filipinos have for the game. And while here, I want to turn them on to other basketball lessons: the importance of a healthy lifestyle, nutrition and making healthy choices in life,” said Spoelstra.
On August 11, a total of 80 basketball hopefuls from the UAAP will be trained using latest NBA techniques and will take part in hydration “sweat tests” and tailored nutrition seminars.
Spoelstra also watched the game between defending champion Ateneo de Manila and University of the East on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, along with US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. and Ateneo president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres.
NBA Fit, an initiative under the NBA Cares umbrella, is the league’s comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families through programs, events and products.
Spoelstra, the first NBA head coach of Filipino descent, will bring the program to his mother’s native city of San Pablo in Laguna on Thursday, where he is expected to meet with relatives, visit a hospital and conduct clinics for San Pablo City students. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)