THE Hong Kong Bay Area Dragons hosted a charity event in partnership with the Chinese Embassy last Wednesday at the home of the Dragons at the Shangri-La the Fort in Taguig City.
“It’s a great pleasure to participate in an afternoon of sharing love, promoting culture and celebrating sportsmanship,” Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said. “This event will be an opportunity for the children to improve basketball skills while learning about friendship and teamwork, just like how China and the Philippines built their strong relations.”
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, LFJOY Foundation chapter president Wei “Joy” Zhao and Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial also graced the event.
“We are honored to host the charity even with the Chinese Embassy of the Philippines,” East Asia Super League CEO Matt Beyer said. “The Bay Area Dragons have been warmly welcomed by the people of the Philippines as guests from China, and it is only right that the team consistently give back to the community.”
The charity event included demonstrations of fundamental basketball skills coached by different players on the Bay Area Dragons, followed by mini-games between the players and the kids.
There were also segments featuring distribution of school supplies, as well as food and snacks, and the opportunity for the kids to showcase their talents with artistic performances.
“We love to give back and interact with the local community here in the Philippines,” Bay Area Dragons Head Coach Brian Goorjian said. “The fans here welcomed us with open arms and their passion for the game is something that we witness everyday.”
“They are our motivation, and that’s why it always means a lot to us when we are able to further immerse ourselves in local communities,” Goorjian added.