SMC joins FIBA World Cup hosting

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By Abby Toralba

SAN Miguel Corporation has officially signed on as a partner in the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in August, ahead of the World Cup draw this Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“It is wonderful to welcome San Miguel Corporation into the World Cup family. Such an investment, such an empowerment, such a large brand across the nation,” FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Executive Director David Crocker said. “This is a wonderful day. We are counting down rather quickly to the day of the tipoff.”

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San Miguel’s participation in the biggest basketball showdown was bared yesterday at the Makati Diamond Residences where Crocker was joined by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Alfredo Panlilio, SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua, and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Deputy Event Director Erika Dy, among others.

Chua said SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang did not think twice when San Miguel was asked to come onboard, adding “when they asked Boss RSA (regarding the partnership), he said yes right away.”

In a statement, Ang said: “We are very proud to have been given this rare opportunity to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup. I think it’s the best time to have a prestigious international competition in the Philippines. After almost three years of the pandemic, we want to say that we are open for business, Filipinos are excited to welcome athletes from all over the world, and we are all eager to watch the very best teams play in our homecourt.”

A longtime sports patron, Ang enjoined Filipinos to cheer for the Gilas Pilipinas team, which is among the 32 teams that will participate in the event the Philippines is co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia.

“San Miguel’s history is closely intertwined with sports, particularly basketball. By supporting this world-class event, we also hope to give our local players an opportunity to see different teams and further elevate their games. Also equally important, we want to encourage and inspire young players and the youth in general, to continue pursuing their passion–whether it is basketball or another sport. With enough hard work, discipline, and dedication, they too can be world-class and can carry our flag someday in international competitions,” Ang said.

SMC’s support is bannered by San Miguel Brewery, Inc. –through its San Miguel Pale Pilsen brand –that is also behind the San Miguel Beermen, Magnolia Hotshots and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the pro league.

Panlilio said: “We do have shared vision in sports, unity and camaraderie through basketball. As Erika (Dy) said, major corporations supporting the World Cup would ensure success for us in terms of hosting. And this collaboration has been much appreciated.”

The draw this Saturday will determine in which groups the 32 participating nations will play in the group stage.

Expected to grace the World Cup Draw are ambassadors Luis Scola, Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol, and LA Tenorio, along with international Fil-American artist Saweetie and local celebrities Sarah Geronimo, Billy Crawford and former Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

Ang thanked the SBP group headed by Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and the FIBA leadership for the opportunity to take part in the historic event.

“I commend the SBP leadership and FIBA for working to bring the event to our shores for the first time in decades. For a basketball-loving country, it means so much for Filipinos to have the world’s centerpiece basketball event here,” he said.

SMC has also supported national teams in international events.

It backed the Philippine team that won 149 gold medals, 117 silvers, and 121 bronzes in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

During the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, SMC also supported the Philippine team that won the overall championship with 112 golds, 85 silvers, and 93 bronzes.

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