Sport | Basketball
Philippine basketball tournament opens
Former professional Philippine basketball player Fortunato "Atoy" Co is a special guest at the opening of the Dubai tournament.
- Staff Report
- Published: 16:00 April 11, 2008
- Former professional Philippine basketball player Fortunato "Atoy" Co graced the opening of the tournament in Dubai on Friday.
- Image Credit: Supplied photo
Dubai The annual summer basketball tournament of the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates opened yesterday, with former pro Fortunato "Atoy" Co the special guest.
The opening ceremony at Al Nasr Gymnasium saw the Intercontinental Hotel team win the best uniform award. In addition, the marching band of the United International Private School provided some fanfare.
Philippine Consul Vicente Bandillo commended the teams and organisers for the good turnout.
Co is a member of the Philippine Basketball Association Hall of Fame. He was the first player to score 5,000 and 10,000 points at the time when the three-point shot was not yet introduced.
He was part of the fabled Crispa Redmanizers ballclub that won two Grand Slams, in 1976 and 1983. He won the MVP award, in 1979 and is a nine-time Mythical First Team Member.
Represented
The Filipino Basketball Centre (FBC) will hold games every Friday among the five divisions represented by hotels, companies, organisations, and even private individuals. Roshan Construction are the first division defending champions.
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