Monday, February 27, 2017

Ballin' for a Cause

TDKPH's Knights

Doing the things you love is so much better when you know that you’re helping other people. That is why geeks, artists, and collectors gathered yesterday for another basketball tournament, and all the money that was collected is for the benefit of A.L.F.R.E.D. Initiative.


A.L.F.R.E.D Initiative is The Dark Knight PH’s charitable movement, which aims to help those who are in need. Its acronym stands for ALliance For Reaching Everyone’s Dreams. The name was inspired by Bruce Wayne’s personal butler, Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred has always been there for the Dark Knight, and has been one of the most reliable and helpful persons in Batman’s life, which is what the movement aims to become for the people.

Two weeks before the actual tournament, we had a draft lottery. Yup! An actual draft lottery, and this made me feel like a college varsity hoping to be pick by an NBA team. Haha! Three teams selected players and twenty-seven players registered for the draft pool. Team managers were assigned to pick players from different groups to form a team consisting of nine players each. The draft lottery’s purpose was to mix and bond players from different teams. It made us meet new faces.

The three teams that were formed are Knights (Black), Wizards (Yellow), and Acolytes (Red). Paolo Ollero, ‘The Dark Knight Philippines’ founder and the team’s manager, selected me to be a part of TDKPH’s Knights. I’m the 21st overall draft pick. At least, I’m not picked last this time. Haha!

Our first game was against the Wizards. We had a great first half. We were able to keep up and even took the lead at some point, but during the second half of the game, the Wizards heated up and made it rain. Three-pointers everywhere. They immediately led by a large margin, but we were able to reduce the gap, it was just too bad that time was also against us, and we no longer took back the lead.

Our second game against the Acolytes was also a loss, though we still gave a good game. The Acolytes had great players, quick and good inside scorers. Just a bit too much for us, I guess.

One thing disappoints me the most was the referees. They had too many missed and wrong calls. I’m not saying that we lost due to those calls because even the other teams had the same experience. There were even times that the referees were giving calls when they hear other players’ shouts. It was like they succumbed to pressure. Other times the referees wouldn’t run to the other side of the court and would give wrong calls due to the distance of the action. And sometimes the referees would just stand and watch the game. Yes, this is just an amateur basketball and it’s for fun and game, but at least do your job as a referee.

Going back to what really matters, it was great that we get to do something for other people, and I’m really hoping that whatever amount A.L.R.E.D. Initiative make out of this will reach those who are in need. Plus, I like the draft lottery idea. I’m looking forward to doing that again.


And remember that as much as everyone needs a physical activity and be healthy, we should never forget to give something and extend a helping hand.

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