29 June 2018
Ayala Corporation (Ayala) has reaffirmed its support to the development and training of the country’s national track and field athletes, giving them access to the facilities of its newly opened Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.
Ayala had recently linked up with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and served as title sponsor of the just-concluded Ayala Philppine Athletics Championships in Ilagan, Isabela.
“We believe in our national athletes’ potential to inspire, drive and instill collective nationalism through sports,” said Ayala’s John Philip Orbeta. “One of the biggest gaps is an internationally certified athletics facility which the Vermosa Sports Hub provides as a means to improve their performance and competitiveness.”
At PATAFA’s new official home, athletes will train in the only International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified track and field oval in the Philippines with specifications and standards equivalent to those they will compete with internationally. Aside from the existing oval and Olympic-sized pool, upon completion of the Sports Hub’s first phase, PATAFA will also have access to the 600-square meter Sante Fitness Lab, a first-of-its-kind combination of facilities in the country, which will feature a strength and conditioning fitness facility, sports rehab areas, a Sports Science Laboratory, a dance studio, a spinning class area, bike shop and services, a nutrition and fitness cafe, VO2 max/lactate testing, plus conference and lecture room. Future plans include a provision for a 3,000 seat multi-purpose indoor sports arena.
Manila Water Company, Inc. through its subsidiary Manila Water Total Solutions (MWTS), will also be supporting this project with Ayala through a hydration sponsorship of Healthy Family Purified Water tot the PATAFA athletes. Healthy Family will be supplying 4,000 bottles monthly of its 500ml variant to PATAFA for the duration of their training at Vermosa.
As advocates of environmental sustainability, MWTS will also be working together with PATAFA on a program called “Toka ng PATAFA”. This program is an advocacy on environmental stewardship and responsible consumerism that helps promote the value of waste segregation through the recovery of used PET (polyethylene) bottles. This is an initiative to be spearheaded by our athletes as champions for health and wellness, as well as, staunch partners for the environment.
Ayala will also provide financial support to facilitate and strengthen PATAFA’s recruitment and training programs.
“Ayala’s support will help the athletes train better, perform better and hopefully bring more medals and recognition for the country,” said PATAFA President Philip Juico.
The eagerness to help improve the skills and international ranking of our national athlete has spurred the Ayala Group to do its part in helping Filipino athletes achieve excellence in their respective sports and succeed in various international competitions.
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