THE Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipininas Foundation Inc. (SDPBPFI) is hosting a charity golf tournament to kick off a fund-raising campaign for ill-stricken former players.
SDPBPFI Chairman Atoy Co said the newly formed association has received a seed fund of P1 million from UNTV owner Daniel Razon but needs to raise more to be able to sustain its programs.
“We’ve already spent some of the money by giving help. So we decided to start having programs like this golf event,” Co told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Tapa King in Cubao, Quezon City.
Without giving names, Co said there are a lot of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players who are either sick or are struggling to sustain maintenance medication.
“We have to think of ways to raise money to help our co-players,” the former Crispa star said.
The group’s maiden project, dubbed The First PBA Legends Golf Tournament, will be held on Thursday at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. Registration is still ongoing and Co enjoins friends and supporters to pitch in.
Allan Caidic said that aside from the golf tournament, already being planned are two exhibition games in October that will feature former players from San Miguel Beer and Alaska in one match and Ginebra and Purefoods greats in the other.
“You’ll see me, Alvin Patrimonio, Jojo Lastimosa, Jerry Codinera, Bong Alvarez, probably Hector Calma, Franz Pumaren play. It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be an exciting day for basketball fans,” said Co, a former PBA Most Valuable Player.