Basketball Star James Yap Graced Turkey Ball 2018 In Toronto
Basketball Star James Yap toss the ceremonial ball to open Turkey Ball 2018 at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, October 6, 2018. Photo: Li ERON
Covering an event to capture the moment, not just on taking nice photos but also the story behind an event is fast and fleeting. Perhaps my mind is condition to a particular framework that blogging is but a ping, something that I only needed the highlights. Or barely.....
Mike Cruz who founded Durham Crossover some years back has made his passion float in the fields of one of the most worshipped sports in the world: Basketball. His leadership is centered on that influence; developing kids to acquire skills in playing basketball. Mike Cruz and his co-sports enthusiasts may not have that profound reckoning how big their contribution to the lives of our young generations in Canada, particularly in Durham Region as far as Crossover is concerned.
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| Mike Cruz of Durham Crossover. Photo: Li ERON |
My friendship with Mike Cruz simply sprouted from our active involvement at our respective networks. He in sports and me in creating meaningful projects and telling stories. We are civil and we are supporting each other. A few days before the Turkey Ball event, he offered me to capture the opening ceremony and a guest named James Yap conducting a clinic with selected kids. I thought this James Yap must be popular of some sort without realizing he is indeed a very hot commodity in the Philippines. I didn't browse his profile so I didn't know I will come face to face with a star.
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| James Yap signing autograph, October 6, 2018 Turkey Ball. Photo: Li ERON |
I was properly introduced to James Yap as someone taking photos of the event. His humbleness amazed me. While he was waiting at a room inside the Pan Am Sports Centre, there were townmates and friends who came in for autographs and souvenir photos. They spoke Bisaya and so did I.
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| James Yap coaching young basketball players at Turkey Ball held at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, October 6, 2018. Photo: Li ERON |
James Yap was to conduct basketball clinic to a group of young players. I think there were more than 10 kids who were lucky enough to get tips from a superstar in the ball court. What was good about it was that, James Yap wasn't bothered by photographers like me hovering around him as he coaches those kids. His presence am sure will linger on those kids who even at this stage in life, already knows discipline as their mentor incredibly shared a pinch of her successful career. Kids need inspiration to continue dreaming and James Yap simply supplemented without imposing his fame of the game. The Turkey Ball Opening Ceremony was hosted by Lovely Luna. It was well- attended as the large basketball court at the Pan Am Sports Centre was filled with both young basketball players and their guardians. Parents who did the right thing in putting their kids in the guidance of Basketball mentors who founded clubs and basketball teams to introduce our kids to the love of basketball where they acquire skills and discipline early in life. It is also a huge factor of keeping the kids healthy in body, mind and spirit.
I believe that the number problem of youth falling off the tracks in life is making bad choices in life. I also think some kids were not given that opportunity to develop a healthy habit as participating and learning sports, not just basketball. The huge crowds of participating players from various clubs is an indication that majority of our parents are looking after the welfare of these kids. Going about their practice schedules and travelling to be able to participate on faraway games is an incredible sacrifices for their children.
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| FBL Commissioner and James Yap, Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, October 6, 2018. Photo: Li ERON |
The presence of James Yap at this Turkey Ball event must have re-enforced the desire of every kid in the court wearing their team's uniform to one day be like him, at least to be an MVP crown. Sometimes we need to pause for a moment and look at the very people who shared their passion and give the future generations a better chance at life in focusing on healthy undertakings.
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| James Yap and the young basketball players, Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, October 6, 2018. Photo: Li ERON |
I always admire people who faced challenges in building something for our community. Mike Cruz and all other Coaches in the field of basketball are worthy of admirations because look at the pictures that speak of enthusiasm in the lives of these very young aspiring players. There are some who claimed to be leaders but are not actually dipping their feet in the mud and brunt criticisms and difficulties. Organizing a huge sports event is not an easy task much more in bringing in a basketball to Canada to inspire these youth who swared James Yap as he interact with them in the basketball arena at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.
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| Photo op with James Yap, Turkey Ball Opening Ceremony, October 6, 2018. Photo: Li ERON |
The temptations of criminality in Toronto and drug addictions are real. But only for children who aren't given opportunities to love and dream something. Our Filipino youth especially those wearing their favourite team shirts are an exemptions.
These are our future shining stars and like James Yap....they will remain humble of their future successes and fame. It's a dream at the moment and yet when nurtured, some of these kids will fly high in the basketball arena.
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