THE country’s top sports officials have been invited to attend the formal opening of the  third   annual  KABAKA-PAGCOR inter-school  basketball  tournament  at  on Tuesday,  Jan. 31 at  the Ninoy Aquino  Stadium  in  Adriatico St. Manila.

Twenty-nine teams --  17 elementary teams and 12 high school teams  -- from different public, parochial and Christian schools within the  5th District of  Manila  will  participate in  this prestigious event organized  by  the   KABAKA Foundation, Inc. in partnership with PAGCOR.

Expected   to grace the  colorful  opening ceremony  are Philippine Olympic  Committee (POC)   president  Jose “Peping” Cojuancgo, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman  Richie Garcia and Samahang  Basketball  ng Pilipina s (SBP)  executive director  Sonny Barrios. 

The three  high-ranking   sports officials  will join     KABAKA  founder  Cong. Amado S. Bagatsing  in delivering inspiratioal   remarks to  the  players of the participating schools.

A staunch  supporter of sports,  Bagatsing  expressed satisfaction    that “the  tournament   is growing fast.” 

He noted  that  from 16 teams during the inaugural two years ago, it now has 29 teams with  almost all schools in the  5th District of Manila  are  participating.

“It is really one of  the   first tournaments  catering to  real  grassroot level  of  basketball   with   players from public,  parochial and Christian schools in elementary and high school,” said Bagatsing.

He  said NCAA, UAAP, NAASCU, NCRAA and  the likes can scout players with potential and be included in their teams in the near future.

This year’s participating schools are St. Anthony,  PCU, JIL, EDSES, A.Quezon, St. Pius X, Baseco Elem., C. Salvador, Malate Catholic,   Jesus Reigns Christian, J. Lukban, Margarita Roxas, SIKAT, Letran Elem., Araullo,   Paco Catholic, Ermita Catholic, Republic Institute,  PID., M. Roxas and guest  team RP Youth 13-under.

The  tournament is being organized by KABAKA  Sports,  headed  by   sports director Ronnie Canlas.