SKYWALKER RUN: A Run for Samboy Lim

Avelino Borromeo Lim, Jr, more popularly known as Samboy "Skywalker" Lim was an iconic basketball player in the 1980s.  He won many championships in the high school, collegiate. amateur and professional levels.  He served several tours of duty as a member of the Philippine national team. The Skywalker distinguished himself with his above-the-rim play and often dangerous forays to the basket. 

One of Samboy's patented daredevil drives to the basket.

Samboy's love for the game of hoops is legendary and even in his retirement, he continued to play basketball, more particularly PBA Legends exhibition games.  It was in one such exhibition game last Nov 28, 2014 that the Skwalker collapsed and was rushed to the hospital unconscious.  He was in a coma for two months and by January 2015 he was out of the hospital, recovering in his house. Needless to say the cost of hospitalization and recovery are expensive and daunting.  

Given the pure heart he has shown on and off the court. the Skywalker is well-loved.   He has been receiving support from family members, fellow hoops stars, former coaches and managers, and the media.  Now, the adoring public will have a chance to contribute in support of Samboy.

Bearwin Meilly of RUNtarantantan fame is organizing the Skywalker Run scheduled for July  17. Some of the proceeds will help the medical fund of Samboy.  Bearwin and his RUNtarantantan team should be commended for coming up with fun runs that celebrate the life of some of our local iconic figures like Francis M, Dolphy, the Apo Hiking Society and now the Skywalker. It is a refreshing approach to race organization and the response from the running public has been both warm and  nostalgic.        

Bearwin aka RUNtarantantan displaying the finisher shirt for the Skywalker Run.

Some of Samboy's contemporaries supporting the Skywalker Run include  the Alvin "the Captain" Patrimonio,    

Ronnie "Point Laureate"  Magsanoc,

Jojo "Jolas" Lastimosa,

and Benjie "Tower of Power" Paras.

Many runners have registered already for the 3kms, 5kms and 9kms race categories. This race is all about fun and all the race categories will award medals to the finishers.  But more than the medal, the Skywalker Run will be about a chance for local hoops afficionados to say thank you to a basketball warrior who gave his all on the court for his team and for country. The Bicolano Penguin got to register this weekend for this July 17 fun run.  

Finisher medals for all race categories in the Skywalker Run.

My race bib and race singlet.

Limited slots are still available.  What are you waiting for hoops fans?  No ifs or buts about this. To all those who are passionate for both running and basketball, you simply cannot afford not to run in the Skywalker Run.  Respect the Game.  Respect our Hoops Heroes.