The Embassy of Israel had issued a perfect assist by conducting a free basketball clinic to young girls of the Laura Victorina Foundation last Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

In cooperation with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss lent a helping hand to young athletes who are using basketball as their way of escaping their abusive families.

Presiding over the one-day camp were Gilas Pilipinas Women standouts Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, Kaye Pingol, Tantoy Ferrer and Chack Cabinbin, who did not only taught the girls the fundamentals of the game but also the hard work, sacrifices and determination they put in to reach elite status.

“It’s a part of our culture in sports and so I think it’s a very good thing for youth, especially the girls,” Fluss, who treated the girls to a sumptuous lunch after the event, said.

“With previous experiences that they had, I think this is something which will benefit them a lot and I have to say, we have amazing partners here.”

Laura Victorina Foundation managing director Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana said seeing the Gilas Women players will inspire the girls to fulfill their basketball dreams.

“It is important to see the kids here that they can make their dreams come true if they put their minds into it,” Sta. Ana said.

“Nothing is impossible as long as the opportunity is theirs to take.”

For Bernardino, it was not just about sharing their talents, but about serving as inspiration and speaking the language of the young athletes even for just a day.

“We’re not just teaching basketball. We have to make them smile, too,” Bernardino, who was joined by SBP coaches Anton Altamirano and Larry Fonacier, said.

“Personally, it makes me happy seeing them smile.”