With less than a year to go until the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, structures ticking down the time to the historic event were unveiled in co-host countries Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
The countdown clocks sponsored by Tissot will not only stand as reminders to how long before the global meet from August 25 to September 10 next year, but will also symbolize the unified determination of the three nations serving as first-ever co-hosts.
“Together with our co-hosts, we are so happy to have you join us as we officially begin the countdown to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. We have put our hearts and minds into the all the preparations. Let’s continue working together to make FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 happen, and happen successfully,” said Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan at the activation of the Manila Tissot countdown clock at SM by the Bay last Saturday.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al S. Panlilio, for his part, gave thanks for all the support that the LOC is receiving. He said, “co-hosting an international event of this magnitude is truly an honor, and at the same time, a huge challenge. But it is also an opportunity to showcase our country, our culture, and our people.”
Also present were Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino, FIBA President Hamane Niang and Secretary-General Andreas Zaklis, FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Chairman Richard Carrion and Executive Director David Crocker, SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios, and Chairman of the Executive Committee and Director of SM Prime Holdings Hans Sy.
Tissot countdown clocks were likewise activated in Okinawa, Japan and Jakarta, Indonesia.
The activation of the Manila Tissot countdown clock was punctuated by a spectacular drone show and elaborate fireworks display, as well as a performance from popular rock band 6cyclemind.
Two days prior, the one year-to-go milestone was celebrated in the Philippines by introducing ambassadors who will be tasked to re-emphasize the global meet’s message of working together.
“The Philippines has not hosted a basketball tournament of this magnitude. We have called on all stakeholders to do their part in making this a successful event. As such, we have tapped local ambassadors who will collaborate with FIBA global, Japanese, and Indonesian ambassadors to continue boosting our message worldwide,” said SBP Vice President Ricky Vargas in the press conference at the TV5 Media Center.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and the Gilas Pilipinas team that competed in the 2013 FIBA Asia Cup and then the 2014 FIBA World Cup were named as Philippine ambassadors who will get their kababayans excited not only to see their national team in action, but also to show their hospitality as hosts.
“I think pride overflows from our kababayans when we see each other excel. It reminds me of the feeling I felt when I represented our country, and now I’m given this chance to also encourage our countrymen to express their support, it gives me so much pride and joy,” said Gray, who is one of the more notable and newsworthy pageant winners in recent history.
“I really look forward to welcoming the world’s eyes. I’d love to be sharing our culture and what better way to do that than to welcome people and show them there are no better hosts – and no better fans – than here in the Philippines,” she added.
For their part, the Gilas Pilipinas squad that won silver in the continental tournament said that now, it was time for them to return the favor.
“We’re very happy and honored to be part of this. When we were playing back in 2014 in the World Cup, a lot of these guys in the current team were cheering for us. It’s now our turn to give back and show them our support,” said LA Tenorio.