Grassroots Basketball Advocate, Pinoyliga.com Writer Rico Navarro Passes Away

Rico Navarro wasn't just one of our writers here at pinoyliga.com. He wasn't just the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Regional Director for Region Seven. Just like most Filipinos, Rico Navarro is a fan of basketball and his advocacy for grassroots basketball in Cebu paved the way for Cebu-based players to reach the bigger stage with some of them already playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

On Tuesday, sports in Cebu lost one of its supporters as Rico Navarro passed away after suffering a heart attack while he was biking. He was 53. It was announced on his Facebook page by his son, Popoy. In the post, the younger Navarro said, "On behalf of the family, we'd like to ask for your prayers in this time of distress. We'd also like to thank everyone who has extended their condolences and tributes to Papa. It really does mean a lot to see all these good words being said about him"

The SBP released a statement where the federation calls Navarro a "gentle soul whose passion for sports was only exceeded by his deep desire to be a man for others" and that the SBP "will persevere to build on the progress he has made in his region to honor his legacy"

For pinoyliga.com founder Benny Benitez who considers the late Rico Navarro as a friend, "Pinoyliga lost a dear friend. Regional Director Rico was our link to the South. He was able to bring Cebu to the forefront via his solid write-ups about the sports scene there. His calm demeanor and helping hand in elevating the Pinoyliga News Feed team to the next level of sportswriting will be sorely missed. Our prayers are for the family of RD Rico. Rest in peace, my good friend from the South"

From all of us here at pinoyliga.com, thank you for your contributions, RD Rico. May you rest in peace.