The Bohol Schools Amateur Athletic Association (BSAAA) will reel off on Sept. 12 at the Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School hard-court. This was bared to the Chronicle by Paul Calizar, its newly designated tournament commissioner.
Twelve member schools have confirmed their participation in the high school division and five in the elementary category, to the only inter school basketball competition in the city. They are the defending champions Bohol Institute of Technology International College jr Cruisers (BIT IC0; University of Bohol Baby Lemurs (UB): Royal Christian School Orioles (RCS) high; Bohol Wisdom School Golden Dragons (BWS); Tagbilaran City Science High School Virus (TCSHS); Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School Cyclones (DCPNHS); Grace Christian School Eagles (GCS); and come backing Holy Spirit School Crusaders (HSS); and Mansasa High School Black Mamba (MHS); Bohol International Learning Center Pythons (BILC).
Doubtful in their participation this year are the Central Visayas State College of Arts, Forestry and Technology Warriors (CVSCAFT) for reasons known only to them. But reliable sources say that lack of support from the school administration is the main reason.
Meanwhile, the Victoriano D. Tirol Advance Learning Center (VDT) has been keen on the idea of getting one entry to the tournament. They have sent feelers of their interest to join the mini basketball division.
Now on its 15th season, the BSAAA will continue to banner the name of Graham C. Lim, the ever energetic and tireless secretary general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) in recognition of his works towards the development of the game in the grassroots, the camaraderie among the littlest officials of the BAP hierarchy and their personal growth as promoter of the games all through out the good and the bad times.
If we may recall, Graham Lim was responsible for the holding of the 3rd National Juniors Championships in Calape through the intercession of Bobong Bas Madanguit, BAP provincial Commissioner. For his love for Bohol, he gave us slots in the National Inter-collegiate Basketball championships and National Inter - secondary Basketball Championship many times in the past.
Under the new stewardship of former basketball ironman, Paul Calizar, the BSAAA promises to accomplish more than what the association has accomplished in the past.
Calizar added, "I would like to stress that upon accepting the office of commissioner, I had in mind the idea to inculcate the best discipline among all the people behind the BSAAA and to further continue to aim high with the view of fulfilling its vision and mission. As a former player, I was tasked to give my very best. And in the same manner, as a commissioner, I'd do all my best to satisfy everybody without giving favor to no one."
Representative Edgar M. Chatto of the first district of Bohol, has been invited to be the guest of honor. He will stress the importance of youth and sports development.
He will be introduced by Professor Reinerio Real, a long time member of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).
A parade of all participating teams will precede the opening program which starts at the Plaza Rizal passing through the main the thoroughfares in the city until the venue of the opening ceremony.
The 15th BSAAA 5th Graham C. Lim Basketball Challenge lived and continued to exist through the years, despite the current global crisis, through the benevolence of the kindhearted organizations and individuals.
Among those expected to financially support the BSAAA are as follows, to wit: City Mayor Dan Lim, Atty. Gamaliel Bonje, Gerardo B. Mandaguit and family, Leo B. Madanguit and family, Congressman Edgar M. Chatto, First Consolidated Bank, Dr. Estela Malanog, Grandmas Purified Drinking Water, Kag. Edi Borja, Punong Barangay Faro Cabalit, Alturas Supermarket Corporation, Rene Relampagos, Ma. Alice Singson and family. - the Bohol Chronicle