GRASSROOTS volleyball gets a big boost with the partnership forged on Tuesday between Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI) and the Athletics Events and Sports Management Group of the Philippines (ACES Philippines).
The agreement, rejuvenating SPAVI’s involvement in the sport, gives birth to the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) which will involve the country’s top amateur teams from the leading schools and universities.
All teams of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), led by Season 97 champion College of Saint Benilde and runner-up Arellano University, will be joined by teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) led by Season 84 champion National University and runner-up De la Salle University.
This was announced by ACES Chairman and CEO Dr. Philip Ella Juico, the leading figure in the Philippine Superliga which took a leave after sports leagues were hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2019.
The SSL will also be Shakey’s second involvement in the sport as it was also the title sponsor of another volleyball league until 2016.
“The SSL is a reaffirmation of Shakey’s authentic commitment to grassroots and collegiate volleyball,” said Vicente Gregorio, adding that SPAVI’s corporate social responsibility is aligned fully behind youth development and nation building.
“Grassroots development is an important advocacy we have because it aligns with our values,” Gregorio told a big audience in the signing ceremony held at the Shakey’s Aseana branch along Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City.
“The new league will feature two conferences, starting with the Collegiate Pre-Season Event set next month and with the top teams of the NCAA and the UAAP participating,” Juico said.
A National Invitational Tournament featuring 12 grassroots-based squads competing to earn the right to represent the country’s 17 Administrative Regions and Metro Manila will follow in February next year.
Image credits: Roy Domingo