Coach Spo is back to helm NBA Fit clinics in Manila

From left to right: Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra, Dr. Irma Asuncion DOH Head of Health Promotion Board and Mr. Ed Winkle Senior Director of NBA Asia.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoesltra is back in Manila to conduct a series of clinics on health and wellness. With the success of last year's NBA Fit program, that's enough reason for the Fil-Am coach to come home and give back to the Filipinos. Coach Spo officially made his return to the country on Monday, August 1.

NBA Fit program helmed by Coach Spo jump-started at the National University in Manila. He didn't waste time teaching the athletes of the NU Bulldogs on how to stay fit and have a healthy lifestyle. Players from PBA Team Air21 joined in to help out the Miami Heat coach in conducting the clinics for the young ballers.

The National University Junior Bulldogs.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Coach Spo gamely joined the youngins in the basketball drills. He even mingled sat with them to watch the 3-point shootout contest. Bulldogs big man Emmanuel Mbe didn't mind shooting a few hoops in the contest. He had the loudest cheer in the gym when it was his turn to play.

The Lady Bulldogs have a fun side after all.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

After the basketball clinics, he had a mini press conference with the media at one corner of the gym. Coach Spo talked about the NBA Fit program aiming to reach more kids next year.

Coach Spo joining in for the drills.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

"Last year, the NBA Fit was really only one week. We're able to reach a lot of young Filipino kids. This year we have another week -- now for 2 weeks. Each year we hope to make it bigger, broader, be able to get more kids -- teach them and educate them about the importance of being physically fit and the importance of a strong diet. Hopefully next year will be even better, " Coach Spo explained.

Let's get physical!
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Indeed, the first NBA Fit week in the Philippines made Filipinos aware on how to keep fit every single day. Now, kids and adults alike are getting into the program, so to speak.

Coach Spo's got the whistle and he's not afraid to use it.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

As far as hoops is concerned here, the Fil-Am knows the future of the game has already evolved.

"I think the future is great here in the Philippines. Coaching is getting better and better each year. Coaches are committed to developing the game. "

Willie Miller and his Air21 posse.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

"Players are getting better. I think the future is great. The game is global now -- not just in the United States. All the players are passionate about the game," said the Miami Heat coach.

Group photo with the young ballers og National U.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Coach Spo will be in town until August 7. More clinics will be conducted in select schools in the metro. On Friday, he will be conducting a basketball camp for the Energen Under 17 National Team in the morning then a Celebrity NBA Fit Challenge in the afternoon at the Araneta Coliseum.

The NBA Fit program will continue at the SM Mall of Asia on August 6 & 7. Then in the morning of August 7, there will be an NBA Fit Fun Run at the Bonifacio Global City in the Fort.

For more info about the NBA Fit, check out NBA Philippines's website.