BY ABBY TORALBA
AFTER six years, the country’s top volleyball backer is back as Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (SPAVI), together with Athletic Events and Sports Management Group of the Philippines (ACES Philippines), launched the Shakey’s Super League yesterday at the Shakey’s restaurant in Aseana, Parañaque.
Two conferences are set to be held, with the first, the Shakey’s Super League featuring an UAAP-NCAA Collegiate pre-season tournament on Sept. 22 to Nov. 28.
The second conference, the National Invitational Tournament, is set from February to July next year with 12 grassroots-based teams.
Some teams from the NCAA and UAAP have committed to participate in the pre-season league, including defending NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde and reigning UAAP titlist National University.
“I think, as a prospective ng coach, it’s very important to be part of this pre-season tournament where the teams can have an experience. . . prior to the main event,” NU athletics director Otie Camangian said.
“This pre-season, which I believe will now be officially launched and be consistently held, will be a very big help for the schools that will take part in this tournament specifically for the UAAP teams and NCAA teams,” he added.
Gracing the event were SPAVI President and CEO Vicente L. Gregorio, SPAVI General Manager Jorge Q. Concepcion, Commission on Higher Education Sports Development Ana Yangco, ACES Chairman and CEO Philip Ella Juico and ACES President and COO Dr. Adrian Paolo Laurel.
Also expected to see action are UAAP squads Ateneo, La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and University of Santo Tomas.
Arellano University, Jose Rizal University, San Sebastian College, Lyceum, Mapua University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Letran, San Beda University, and Perpetual Help are also anticipated to join the tourney.