Sparked by a vision to enable and support willing children to have more access to badminton, All Star Badminton Club (ASBC) was established in 2015.
ASBC founder and president CJ Kurt Dimalanta Rillo said that the club was formed so the youth today will have the first line of support, “We normally see contributions in sports such as basketball and volleyball but it is rare to see it in the badminton scene.”
Rillo started playing badminton at a young age and according to him, he didn’t have the support he needed aside from the support he gets from his parents and the owners of private establishments which happened to be family friends.
“Forming All Star Badminton Club started as a dream and was inspired by what my best friend and my Alma Mater, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde have instilled in me, which is to ‘teach minds, touch hearts, and transform lives’,” he said.
He also shared how sports made him who he is today, “I strongly believe that sports molded me into something that my future self and my family would be proud of as it taught me a lot of things.”
“Becoming an athlete would help a person develop not only their physical but their mental ability through the rigorous training and coaching,” Rillo said.
“Sports generally helps a person develop their character, the way they relate and interact with people, how they discipline themselves. Furthermore, playing sports contribute to having a good and healthy lifestyle,” he added.
With ASBC, they want to mold young athletes to be able to compete and carry the name of Puerto Princesa City to compete in higher levels.
“Our goal is to give access and support to children who are willing to learn and have the dedication to join tournaments but do not have the means and resources to be trained. Our club’s ultimate goal is to be able to produce highly competitive and professional athletes that can represent our city,” he said.
Aside from the aforementioned, ASBC is also keen on tapping universities and colleges in Manila to provide athletic scholarships so their athletes can continue training but more importantly, finish their studies.
“As the president, I will try my best to have them join university tryouts and eventually let them study in one of the prestigious schools in Manila by acquiring athletic scholarships,” Rillo said.
He also shared their vision to expand and reach other sports aside from badminton. They are now in the process of submitting requirements with SEC.
“Once they approve our proposal, we are going to be called ‘All Star Sports League’, and we will cater to all athletes in different sports,” he said.
Rillo said they are hoping that the government will see the potential in sports and in time, provide the support it deserves.
“We cannot wait for this new and exciting change as we would be able to tackle all sports. Hopefully, our government will see what we offer to the children, and they would provide support in due course,” he added.
This December, All Star Badminton Club is inviting badminton players not only from Puerto Princesa but also from other cities and provinces in the country who are interested to join their invitational badminton tournament entitled “Paskuhan sa Palawan.”
They have men, women, and mixed doubles from levels A to F and open levels with cash prizes ranging from P1,500 to P25,000 with racket for the champion.
For registration, contact Rodelie Contreras at +639151773648. The deadline for registration is on November 30.
The tournament will be held on December 14-15, at ESJ Badminton Court, Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa City.
