FROM boxing to basketball to volleyball.

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is taking another big step in promoting grassroot sports with the formal launching of the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA).

“Maraming magaga­ling na players sa buong Pilipinas na hindi lang nabibigyan ng chance, hindi lang sa basketball kundi pati sa volleyball,” said Pacquiao during the press confe­rence held at the Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City.

“The MPVA is their chance,” added Pacquiao.

Ten teams will participate in the inaugural season of MPVA, which will spearhead Pacquiao’s new mission to assist Philippine volleyball and discover more talents from the grassroots.

Pacquiao was accompanied by acting president-CEO Emmerson Oreta, MPVA commissioner Mike Tavera, counsels Atty. Glen Gacal, Atty. Victorina Calma and venue operations director Allen Reyes.

The first season of MPVA, which will kick off in October, will feature teams from Manila, Caloocan, Quezon City, Rizal, Biñan, Bulacan, Bacoor, Marikina, Agusan del Norte, and a yet-to-be-announced partner local government unit, the “Blue Hawks.”

Players 18 years old and above are eligible to participate in the MPVA, with up to five former professional players allowed on each team, but only up to three can be on the court simultaneously.
For now, the MPVA will debut with a women’s tournament, with the men’s teams set to follow in the next year.

The MPVA also plans to introduce junior tournaments, similar to the Junior MPBL, to support grassroots development in Philippine volleyball.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya