MANILA, Philippines — Elias and Ifeoma Joy Adili, parents of the late Ateneo men's basketball team member Divine Adili, arrived in the country to watch the first two games of the Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 89.
Ateneo announced the development in a statement on Sunday, welcoming Adili's parents as the Blue Eagles dedicate their Season 89 campaign to Divine as well as fellow fallen teammate Rene Baterbonia.
Adili and Baterbonia died in Ateneo team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
"Tonight, we warmly welcome Mr. and Mrs. Adili to Manila and to the Ateneo community. Their arrival marks their first visit to the Philippines, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have them with us and to spend time together in the days ahead," said Ateneo.
"In the coming days, they will be with members of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team and will attend the Blue Eagles’ first two games of UAAP Season 89.
"Their visit carries special meaning for all of us. As the team begins a season dedicated to the memory of Divine and Rene Baterbonia, we are grateful that Divine’s parents can be here with the teammates, friends, and community who shared an important part of his life."
Ateneo will begin its campaign against University of the East at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, September 16 -- 100 days after the passing of Adili and Baterbonia.
The Blue Eagles will next face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on September 26 still at the Mall of Asia Arena.
