IN ORDER to raise funds for the university’s basketball teams, “Team Ateneo: The Launch” was held in the NBC Tent on June 22.

Debbie Tan, Manny V. Pangilinan’s liaison with the basketball team, explained that the event started out as an effort to help raise funds for the men’s basketball rookies. “We have so many recruits and that means additional tuition fees. The school only gives us a set budget and then we have to raise the exceeding amount ourselves,” she said.

What began as an idea expanded into a full-blown fundraiser for the Blue Babble Battalion, Blue Eagles, Blue Eaglets, and Lady Eagles with the help of Ateneo alumni.

“This event serves two purposes: to launch the official shirt of the season, and to introduce the three basketball teams,” Tan continued.

The program allowed the players to mingle with the supporters through various games and performances. Alumni such as members of the 2002 UAAP Men’s Division Champion Team also attended the launch.