Filipino basketball wunderkind Kai Sotto understands the importance of giving back to the local sports community if it wants to have a chance at international success. That’s why he began the Kaiju Global Academy, his very own training and developmental facility located in Hamilton, Ohio in the USA.
“We started with the idea of the Kaiju Global Academy, and we continue to work on it para mas lumaki at mas gumanda pa yung program,” said Sotto in Kai’s Stories, a video interview series with Smart Prepaid.
The cademy, which started construction earlier this January, is set to become a world-class performance center for all athletes from around the globe. The plans for the Academy include more than 20 basketball courts, football fields, batting cages, a track oval, and even a rock-climbing wall.
However, Sotto also aims to improve more than athletes’ physical performance at the Academy. He also wants to sharpen their mental game, as it is just as important as a key to winning.
“Part na rin ng matuturo ko sa kanila, yung mental aspect ng player. Hindi lahat, madadaan mo sa skill o talent. Siyempre, kailangan mo rin ng heart and mind para maging successful na athlete at person sa buhay,” he says.
While the Academy is still under construction, Sotto believes athletes in the community can already start honing themselves for a better playing future.
“Dream big, believe in yourself, put the work in, and makikita mo mabubuhay yung pagtatiyaga mo,” he advises.
Here's a short video featuring Kai and how he realizes his dreams for younger Filipinos: https://www.facebook.com/137599377310/videos/1922468951264502.
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On the court, Kai shares the basketball and makes sure his contributions go beyond scoring. Off the court, Kai fosters the local basketball community and touches base with them as he shares his inspirational experiences and stories online.
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