Published Thursday, April 30, 2020

First virtual basketball league tournament fundraiser to help covid-19 victims


By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Costa Rican Basketball Federation announced on Wednesday, the first national basketball tournament NBA2K, which will be played on virtual platforms on Saturday, May 2.

According to the Federation, the original idea of creating the championship is of two experts in international basketball, Tony Alemán and Rubén Alfaro, who designed the Tica-NBA2K league tournament.

"Our collaboration has consisted of formalizing the tournament, seeking the support of the government and disseminating through coaches and players to encourage participation, all this while waiting to raise the largest amount of funds for the benefit of those most in need," said Rubén Alfaro, one of the organizers of the championship.

The game can be played on video consoles by people who donate  ₡1,000 colones (about $1.76).

According to Franklin Martinez, president of the Federation, the tournament has two goals. First, to promote the game of basketball and second to raise funds to benefit many individuals and families affected by the pandemic in Costa Rica.

The Sports Ministry informed that the funds raised from the championship will be donated to the government's "With you we can" campaign. The donations received in this campaign will be used by the Emergency Committee to deliver food to poverty-stricken families who have been affected by the economic crisis caused by the covid-19 epidemic.

People who participate in the championship can register via an online form TORNEO NBA2K20 site.

In addition to helping with donations, championship participants can win prizes that include basketballs, jerseys, discount certificates and official NBA memorabilia.

The campaign "Con vos podemos" was developed by the government on April 15 and will run until April 30. The motto, roughly translating to "with you we can" was created to collect donations and help people who have been affected by the covid -19.

People who are not interested in playing in the basketball tournament, and still want to support the campaign can make donations by texting Movistar, Claro or Kölbi lines.

Donations can be made from cell phones with amounts ranging from ₡2000 to ₡5000, approximately $3 to $9.

Each company has specific guidelines to send money through their mobile network. Check with your service provider before texting a donation.

Cell phones with Kölbi can make donations by texting the codes 5613 to donate ₡2000, 5614 donate ₡ 4000, and 5615 donate ₡5000.

In the case of cell phones with Movistar and Claro lines, the person must send a message with the word DONAR to the codes: 2030 to donate ₡1000, 2031 to donate ₡2000, 2032 to donate ₡4000 and 2033 to donate ₡5000.

In English, “donar” translates to “donate.” The donation via text will only function sending “DONAR.”

According to the first lady Claudia Dobles, who introduced the fundraising campaign, with the money raised, basic supplies such as food and hygiene kits will be purchased and delivered to families living in poverty.

"Due to this difficult time we are going through, we see the solidarity that distinguishes us as Costa Ricans," first lady Dobles said. "It is important for people to know that "Con vos podemos" campaign is an official and safe way to make donations."

All purchases of food and supplies will be bought from local farmers and community shops to help improve the local economy. The supply packages will be delivered to families by members of the National Emergency Commission.

People can make their donations through bank accounts listed on the government website Presidencia.go.cr. Electronic transfers are recommended to avoid going to the bank. All banks receive electronic transfer donations, said the government.


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What other sport federations could host a tournament fundraiser for people affected by the covid-19 crisis?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com