SSL to stage out-of-town matches

The Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals is eyeing to bring teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to the provinces in an attempt to bring the action closer to the fans.

Athletic Events and Sports Management, (ACES) Inc. president Dr. Ian Laurel said during an episode of “Off the Court” last Thursday that they are planning to do the National Invitationals featuring four stages of competitions across the country starring the top collegiate teams in Metro Manila against the best local bets.

“We will have four legs: Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, and Batangas. In each of those legs, we will bring two Manila teams from the UAAP or NCAA to compete with the local teams,” Laurel told hosts Mark Escarlote and Jason Ray Mago.

“This will be a three-day competition and will begin on 1 August. We will travel every week along with the Manila stars.”

Bringing the best volleyball stars closer to fans in the provinces is something ACES knows all too well.

When ACES handled the now-defunct Philippine Super Liga, the games were usually held in various provinces, giving local fans a chance to see stars such as Mika Reyes, Sisi Rondina, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis.

Laurel said the success they enjoy right now wouldn’t be possible without the help of Shakey’s, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“When volleyball was not even in the consciousness of the fans or sponsors, Shakey’s was here. We all know that when Shakey’s was starting, there weren’t other big volleyball leagues back then,” Laurel said.

“They took a leap of faith in choosing volleyball and look at where it is now. Shakey’s has been synonymous with volleyball and look where we’d like to give them due recognition.”