Coach Jeff braces for new challenge in advocacy for grassroots sports

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano basketball coach and skills trainer Jefferson “Jeff” Codera will face a new challenge in his lifetime advocacy to bring sports development to the grassroots level.

This after the municipality of San Remigio in northern Cebu headed by mayor Al Pestolante issued an Executive Order last week officially designating Codera as the town’s head coach and consultant for basketball development.

“Basketball is really his advocacy that is why we are very grateful that coach Jeff accepted our offer,” said Pestolante. “This is a blessing from the Lord. Gusto gyud nako nga i-develop ang sports sa among lungsod and I believe he will be a big contributor for this.”

“Looking at what he has accomplished in life, this is the least we can do to recognize him because he’s truly a pride of Cebu,” Pestolante added.

The 40-year-old Codera has gone a long, long way from his humble beginnings as a jeepney dispatcher and pick-up player. He’s now part of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors training camp family in California and has Gold Coach License from USA Basketball, the sport’s national governing body in the United States.

Apart from numerous prospective ballers, collegiate standouts, and PBA cagers, Codera has also trained some national players including Reggie Hearn of the US, Adrian Zamora of Mexico, and Jeff Chan and Carl Tamayo of Gilas Pilipinas.

Under Pestolante’s EO, Codera is given full authority to form a basketball team including the discovery of potential cagers in San Remigio. He is also tasked to make recommendations for the improvement of the town’s sports facilities.

“Dako gyud kaayo namong garbo nga ipaambit ni coach Jeff ang iyang adbokasiya kabahin sa grassroots basketball sa mga San Remigiohanons. Mao nga amo ihatag ang tanang suporta ngadto niya uban ang tinguha nga makatabang siya pagpalambo sa sports sa among dapit,” said councilor Lou Ornopia, himself an award-winning sportsman duly recognized by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC).

For his part, Codera is very eager to impart his know-how on the sport buoyed his ardent desire to hone the skills of underprivileged kids and aspiring players in northern Cebu.

“Lipay kaayo ko kay gitagaan ko nila og pwesto sa ilahang lungsod ug gidawat ko nila kinasingkasing,” said Codera. “Akoang gidawat ang hangyo ni mayor ug sa taga San Remigio kay nindot kaayo ilahang vision sa mga kabatan-onan. To empower the youth gyud and ang first priority nila is sports not only in basketball but sa tanan sports.”

“Nindot sad kaayo kay full support sila sa akoa about sa himoon namo nga free basketball clinic in every barangay ug sa development program namo sa mga basketball players diha San Remigio,” added Codera, who kicked off his series of barangay-based training camps yesterday in Argawanon. “Ang pinakanindot namo nga plano is to develop a world-class program para sa mga athletes diri sa lungsod sa San Remegio. Mao na among goal ug hinaut nga ma-achieve na namo sa umaabot.”