LA recalls early days

LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Eya Laure of Chery Tiggo took time out of their busy schedules to give back and share their knowledge yesterday in the Gatorade Fueled Liga at the Sta. Ana Covered Court in Taguig City.

Tenorio, the veteran playmaker of the Kings, said the event reminded him of his early years.

"I was one of those kids waiting to meet their idols and playing in these kinds of programs. We would pay fees to join basketball clinics," Tenorio said.

"This is a great opportunity for Gatorade since this is one of the things I wanted to do. Because this is part of that grassroots program so we have to thank Gatorade in bringing opportunities like these closer to the kids."

Around 47 young athletes were treated to a day of drills in both basketball and volleyball.

Laure, now one of the household names in the Premier Volleyball League, said these events also showed the importance of getting one's start in joining smaller leagues before trying out in collegiate and eventually the professional ranks.

"These are the kinds of events where I got my start. It tests how you will get along with others apart from the experience you get from joining here," Laure said.

"I joined a lot of inter-barangay tournaments back then and that's where I first felt nervous during games. Joining these kinds of tournaments helps enhance your skills and having trust in your teammates calms you down."