PR-22-2024
19-29 September 2024, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, together with the Filipino community, warmly welcomed and supported the Philippine Eagle Deaf Men’s Basketball Team during their participation in the Asia-Pacific Deaf Basketball Championship Tournament held at the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna, Victoria, on 21-29 September 2024. The tournament featured eight men’s teams from the Philippines, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, and Mongolia, and three women’s teams from Australia, Japan, and Chinese Taipei. The tournament served as a qualifier for the 2025 Deaflympic Games, scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan, from 15 to 26 November 2025.
Prominent members of the Filipino community, including the Filipino Ballers Club Melbourne, Knights of Rizal (KOR), and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (KRI), among others, provided vital support to the team in the form of meals, transportation, and other requirements. On 20 September 2024, the team paid a courtesy call to the Consulate General, followed by a welcome brunch hosted by Lulu Loreno of LK Travel. The Consulate also made arrangements for two Filipino restaurants, Ceree and Cafe Kusina, to host dinner on two occasions. Several other groups helped look for sponsors for meals, jackets, shoes, toiletries, transport subsidy and pocket money.
The Philippine team began the tournament with a victory over Chinese Taipei on 22 September, followed by another win against Hong Kong. The team ultimately secured a 5th place finish in the men’s competition. Notably, Philippine player Johnrey Resurrection was recognized as one of the tournament’s Best Players, alongside top athletes from Australia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Mongolia.
Throughout their stay in Melbourne, the Philippine team was met with unwavering support from the Filipino community. Coordinated by the Consulate General, the Filipino community provided financial assistance, transportation, and meals. In addition, the players enjoyed several leisure activities, including visits to the Shrine of Remembrance, Crown Complex, Kingpin Playroom, and Maru Koala and Animal Park, which helped lift their spirits and offered a welcome break from the competition. Following the tournament, the team traveled to Sydney on 30 September, where they were greeted by another Filipino community leader before their return to the Philippines.
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne emphasizes that the collective efforts of the Filipino community were key to the success of the team’s experience in Victoria. END
