SBP, Special Olympics PH ink agreement

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SPECIAL Olympics Pilipinas and the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas recently signed a memorandum of Agreement at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City aimed to foster a more “inclusive and accessible” environment for intellectually-challenged sports-inclined Filipinos.

Former Olympic swimmer Akiko Thomson-Guevarra, Special Olympic Pilipinas president, and SBP president Al Panlilio signed the deal during the FIBA Asia Cup qualifying match between Gilas Pilipinas and Chinese-Taipei.

The deal aims to develop, nurture and organize inclusive basketball programs and events for people with special needs.

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The agreement covers engagement among referees, coaches and players “by harnessing the power of basketball as a means of empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities and promote social inclusion off and on the court,” SOP national director Janvie Amido said.

“This historic collaboration is the result of localizing the partnership between Special Olympics International and FIBA (the world basketball body) that was signed here in Manila last September during the country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup,” Amido said.

He disclosed that the SOP and SBP will launch grassroots programs in communities nationwide this year as a “catalyst for social change and create a culture of acceptance and belonging.”

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