The Saint Louis University Center for Sports Development (SLU-CSD), in partnership with the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), conducted a free basketball clinic from 15 to 17 June 2026 at the Prince Bernhard Gym, SLU Main Campus.
The three-day basketball clinic brought together seventy (70) aspiring young players from various Catholic and Private schools across Baguio City and the province of Benguet.
Designed to promote grassroots sports development, Coach Raymund Austria of the SLU basketball team, provided the participants an avenue to enhance their fundamental and basic skills which includes proper ball handling and passing, shooting execution, footwork and defense. In addition, the clinic also focused on developing teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie among the participants and helped them gain valuable insights from experienced coaches, trainers, and university varsity players. Likewise, participants also engaged in drills and practical exercises which primarily aimed at improving their overall athletic performance and eventually, their understanding of the game.
The coaches emphasized the importance of creating accessible sports programs that encourage youth participation and holistic development. Through the collaborative efforts of the organizers under the leadership of the university president, and concurrently the Regional Trustee of CEAP-CAR and Regional Program Director of PEAC, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, the partner offices and institutions sought to support youth empowerment through sports and to provide an avenue of opportunities for the student-athletes in the region.
With the success of the event, the CSD coaches and partner institutions hope to conduct more sports development activities in the future within the region, further strengthening grassroots programs and promoting active, healthy lifestyles among the youth. This program is aligned with the CICM Advocacy on Justice and Peace, CEAP Advocacy on Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Development Goals namely: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. (Article by R. Austria | Photos by: CSD Coaches and Varsity players)
