Inside The Heat

Heat's Erik Spoelstra Expresses Support for Typhoon Victims in The Philippines

Erik Spoelstra joins the effort to provide for the survivors of natural disaster
Shandel Richardson|
Heat's Erik Spoelstra Expresses Support for Typhoon Victims in The Philippines
Heat's Erik Spoelstra Expresses Support for Typhoon Victims in The Philippines

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Miami Heat

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has always remained close to his Filipino roots. 

Spoelstra, who is half Filipino, recently joined an effort to help provide relief for those affected by Typhoon Odette that hit The Philippines earlier this month. The storm killed nearly 400 and left thousands of natives homeless and hungry. 

Spoelstra partnered with the PLDT Smart Foundation to raise awareness and encourage fans around the NBA to contribute relief donations. 

"Hi, this is Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami Heat," Spoelstra said in a video posted on Twitter Wednesday morning. "Our hearts go out to the families affected by typhoon Odette. I’m reaching out to our fans because we need your help in supporting our Filipino friends. Every little bit helps, any amount gifted or a relief operations across the country. Thank you for supporting our efforts to rebuild communities that need it the most." 

Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz also joined the cause. He is of Filipino descent as well and represented the country in the 2018 Asian Games. This isn't the first time Spoelstra has assisted the country. 

In 2013, he released a similar video announcement asking for relief effort help when Typhoon Haiyan struck the country and killed thousands. 

The Heat, who are on a four-game winning streak, return to the court Wednesday night at the San Antonio Spurs. 

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Shandel Richardson
SHANDEL RICHARDSON

Shandel has covered the NBA since 2010, with previous stops at The Athletic and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. He has covered six NBA Finals, one Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament. He has also been a beat writer for the Miami Hurricanes and contributed on every major beat in South Florida since 2003, including the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. He can also be read in the Sportsbook Review for gambling coverage from around the NBA. A native of Bloomington, Illinois, Shandel attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He's also worked for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Kansas City Star. TWITTER: @ShandelRich EMAIL: shandelrich@gmail.com You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook here

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