Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra returns to Manila

Despite its loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the recent NBA Finals, Miami Heat head coach and Manila visitor Erik Spoelstra looks forward to another chase for the NBA title. Spoelstra, who arrived in the country Monday, said the defeat of the Heat in the finals against the Mavericks in six games can only help the team. "We didn’t get our goal but it’s another learning experience. It makes us stronger, more resilient for next season," said Spoelstra at a press conference at the New World Hotel in Makati City. Spoelstra said the team backstopped by the “Big 3" of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh has gone through a lot last season that made them stronger. “There were tremendous expectations about the team but it was a great ride for us. We’ve gone through a lot of things which is similar to life. We managed the up and downs of an NBA season well and we have learned a lot from it," said Spoelstra. Spoelstra is back in Manila for a series of fitness events for the NBA FIT program. “The game has been good to me so it’s my way of giving back especially to my heritage. It makes my week very special," said Spoelstra, whose mother is a Filipina. NBA FIT is the league's global comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families through programs and events. NBA FIT Philippines 2011 is endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH) and will feature Spoelstra, who led his team to the NBA Finals this season. Spoelstra, an NBA FIT team member and the NBA Ambassador of the Philippines, will be assisted by some of his Heat coaching staff, as well as local health and wellness experts and celebrities. “We had such a great response to our first NBA FIT program last year, and we are excited to bring this back to the Philippines in a much bigger way this year. We thank our passionate Filipino NBA fans for making this possible and our partners for their continuous support in promoting health and fitness to the Filipino community," said Ed Winkle, Senior Director, Business Development & Marketing Partnerships, NBA Asia. The program will inclut NBA FIT clinics that will be held at local high schools, colleges, universities and shopping malls in Metro Manila. These interactive health seminars aim to focus on three keys to a healthier lifestyle — regular physical activity, better daily nutrition, and smart personal health choices. Spoelstra and Heat assistant coaches David Fizdale and Chad Kammerer, will also lead an NBA FIT Development Camp for the Energen Philippine Under-16 National Team, that is currently preparing for the FIBA-Asia Under-16 Championships in October. The camp will be hosted at the Araneta Coliseum on August 5, 2011. Concurrently, Gatorade will conduct advanced hydration “sweat tests" that can help educate and prepare the participants for future competitions. Spoelstra will also lead a coaching clinic for coaches from the Basketball Federation of the Philippines and from National Capital Region high schools and colleges. The week-long festivities will end with an NBA FIT fun run on August 7 at the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. “I had a really fulfilling trip last year working with Filipino families and youth and I am thrilled to come back to the Philippines under the NBA FIT program. Healthy living and physical activity are so important and NBA FIT is a chance for me to give back to the local community where basketball is such a passion amongst the people," said Spoelstra. Spoelstra and the NBA FIT team will also partner with the Philippine Department of Health and Health Secretary Enrique Ona to promote healthy living among local Filipino youth and to educate them on the dangers of smoking, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. — RSJ, GMA News