“Passion of Mine”: Former Pro Basketball Player’s Venture Is Making Waves in the Surfing Community

Published 03/20/2023, 2:14 PM EDT

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Former basketball pro, Rob Reyes conquered the PBA with his fine baller skills. However, the Filipino-American champion soon retired from the sport in 2016. After 8 years of dribbling on a wooden court, Reyes has now gravitated toward the world of surfing. Back in his homeland, he is promoting a surfing initiative, Share The Stoke, for the local surfers in La Union. 

The athlete recently organized a fundraiser on GoFundMe, that called for charity donations going toward surfboards and equipment for the promotion of the sport in the region. He also addressed that the kids are deprived of athletic opportunities despite residing in close proximity to the ocean. 

Rob Reyes influences the sport in the Philippines

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The 40-year-old star stumbled upon surfing and was instantly hooked. He was introduced to his newfound love in the Filipino province. “La Union is where I first found the joy of surfing, which has since become a passion of mine,” he claimed. Therefore, advancing his journey to promote the sport, he received significant support from people and donated 15 surfboards to the youth there.

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Unfortunately, after the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the initiative was abruptly halted. The 6’6” pro stated, “The plan was an annual project to bring surfboards to the beautiful children of this community.” Reyes lives in the U.S. with his family, however, he plans to return to the region and continue providing the children with surfboards in 2023. 

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Reportedly, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters star’s surfing endeavor largely prioritizes the youth’s exposure to surfing and aims to grow the sport within the nation. “this program aims to get kids access to good boards and equipment,” his fundraiser entry read. The 2x PBA ace also seeks to “grow the love of the ocean,” apart from their love for basketball. Likewise, a city in Ohio also recently got a massive surfing project. 

Million-dollar surfing project in Ohio

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As per Dayton News, West Carrollton was sanctioned an exciting new surfing project, the Whitewater Park Project. The authorities received $3 million in federal funding and are soon to begin with their construction. The park is set to be built on the Great Miami River.  Hence, the source declared, “Their goal is to make West Carrollton a destination for recreation.”

The park shall be open to visitors by 2030 and was brought to light last year. The city of West Carrollton was chosen for the initiative because of its suitable location to the various water sports to be included like canoeing, surfing, and kayaking. 

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WATCH THIS STORY: Surfing Project in Ohio Gets a Massive $3000000 BoostKelly Slater’s IG following Shows He Still Follows Supermodel Ex-Girlfriend Gisele Bundchen and Former Hubby Tom Brady

After notable success in his pro basketball career, Rob Reyes now occupies himself with his new passion sport. Moreover, he chose to do so while working for a noble cause, and is on his way to making the nation proud in an all-new sport domain. What did you think of his thoughtful cause? Let us know in the comments. 

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Written by:

Tiyasa Biswas

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Tiyasa is a US Sports author for Essentially Sports. She charts her journey in the sporting world right from her childhood. A basketball player all through her high school and college days, Tiyasa looks up to Michael Jordan as her idol, and reveres the Mamba Mindset.
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Edited by:

Anupama Ghosh