Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
The FIBA World Cup Championship Trophy made a stop at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium on Sunday afternoon, August 20.
The Championship Trophy, also known as the Naismith Trophy, was unveiled to the public with former Gilas Pilipinas players and now ambassadors Larry Fonacier and Jeff Chan gracing the event.
The FIBA World Cup Naismith Trophy with World Cup Global Ambassador and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. PHOT BY RIO DELUVIO
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also graced the event as a World Cup Global Ambassador.
“[Being a Global World Cup ambassador] is a huge honor. Representing the Philippines is something that I’ve done before that I took pride in,” said Gray.
“I’m very happy to be in this position to really show what the Philippines is made of, not just our beautiful sites and people but also our genuine hospitality and love for the sport that is basketball.”
Performances from the UP Pep Squad and Electro Groovers energized the Manila leg of the Championship Trophy tour.
The Naismith Trophy began its country tour in Cebu last week, having displayed at the Mactan Shrine, CCLEX, and Fort San Pedro and SM Seaside.
Before the Manila leg tour that saw the trophy graced the World Cup playing venues in the Philippine Arena, Smart – Araneta Coliseum, and SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Championship Trophy landed in Davao as well.
It was shown to the public at the People’s Park, Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos Chocolate Museum and the SM Lanang Premier.
After the Manila leg, the Naismith Trophy will make its final tour at Ilocos Norte with stopovers at the EDC Wind Farm, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, and Suba Sand Dunes from August 21to 23.
The Philippines opens its World Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Philippine Arena.
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