The NABA Intercity (North American Basketball Inter-City) will hold its annual intercity tournament on the US Labor Day weekend at Spookynook Sports, Manheim, Pennsylvania. The three-day event, from August 29-31, is being considered a mini-Olympics of the Filipino community in North America.
More than 5,000 athletes of Filipino descent and their families are expected to attend the annual competition. According to NABA President Champ Albano, more than 170 basketball teams and 50 volleyball teams will participate this year. The event aims to serve as a pipeline for Filipino-American and Filipino-Canadian talents who want to play in the Philippines.
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Ronald Damasco, Coach Larry Albano, Dr. Sonny Albano, and Isagani Gregorio, NABA Intercity has produced many PBA players and college stars like Kelly Williams, Eric Menk, and current Ginebra guard Paul Garcia. Albano added that aside from the game, it is a time to meet each other, say hello, and celebrate being Filipino.
This year, Clifton Tigers will be the co-host, led by Lizette Singson, wife of former PBA star Dale Singson. She assured that each team will be guaranteed 4 games, so that the players have more opportunities to showcase their talent. As a member of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the tournament also follows FIBA rules.
NABA is strict in the eligibility of players and ensures that they have true Filipino lineage. Aside from the competition, this event is a great thing for unity, camaraderie, and showcasing Filipino talent in sports.
