Village Connect
After a successful two-week training stint in Novi Sad, Serbia, where they triumphed in all their tune-up games against collegiate and professional teams, the UP Men’s Basketball Team is now heading to Korea for further training from July 28 to August 9.
JJ Atencio, CEO of Januarius Holdings Inc. (JHI), has once again facilitated the Maroons’ overseas training. Atencio, despite being an Ateneo de Manila University alumnus, has been a steadfast supporter of the Fighting Maroons since 2018, fulfilling his promise to be their “training buddy” by sponsoring their international training camps annually.
Atencio’s focused support involves funding training trips to various locations where the team can hone their skills. Over the years, he has sponsored the Maroons’ training in Las Vegas, Serbia, Japan, and now Korea.
“In the beginning, when they were perennial underdogs and had not yet won a championship, I was drawn to the UP story. I identified with them because they were underdogs, and I had a similar experience. Through hard work, persistence, dedication, integrity, sincerity, and prayer, you can reach your goal. And I did, and they did,” Atencio shared.
STATS Technical Sportswear, a JHI subsidiary, has also been providing the Maroons with their gear and official merchandise since Atencio began supporting the team.
“JHI stands with the UP Men’s Basketball Team as we strive to be stronger and better in Season 87,” said Atencio. “Since our partnership with UP began, our goal has been to be a contender every year, which we have achieved for several seasons now. But we are not stopping there.”
“The UP Fighting Maroons’ journey from underdogs to a team to beat continues to resonate with me and our company. That’s what makes this team special. While some may now see them as the top dog, they still possess that underdog mentality. They will keep trying and stay hungry,” Atencio added.
Bo Perasol, Director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (UP OASD), expressed the team’s gratitude for Atencio’s significant contributions to the Fighting Maroons’ development both on and off the court.
“JJ is like a father figure to the boys. We are deeply grateful for his generosity and support in our overseas training camps. Beyond that, we are extremely fortunate to have him as a partner in guiding the players and looking after them beyond the confines of the basketball court,” said Perasol. Coach Bo was UP’s head coach when Atencio first partnered with the team in 2018.
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