By Ivan Saldajeno
MAKATI--Paris Olympian Joanie Delgaco headlines the new batch of Filipino athletes that will be supported by the Ayala Foundation through its Atletang Ayala program.
Delgaco, along with other newcomers in the program, was launched on Wednesday at the Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2.
“Atletang Ayala will help me a lot in terms of extra support for my training here and abroad. It will also help me as a professional in the Ayala group, in terms of new skills and knowledge imparted by the program,” Delgaco said.
Paris Paralympian Allain Ganapin and Tokyo Olympian Kurt Barbosa were among the other notable names who have been added to the said program.
“I see that the Atletang Ayala program will help us in training, conditioning, and nutrition, and will bring us to world-level competitions so that we can become an Olympic and Paralympic medalist in the future,” Ganapin said.
Janna Catantan, the sister of Paris Olympian Sam, will also be joining the Atletang Ayala as 19 athletes from various sports became its new members.
The Atletang Ayala program augments resources for training and competition while providing opportunities for career growth.
Aside from full-salaried employment with flexible work arrangements, the athletes will be covered by Healthway Medical Network’s Athletes’ Health program, which includes physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology; gain access to world-class sports and fitness facilities at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus; and receive fixed support for international training camps and competitions.
Aside from these, they will also actively participate in sports-related and volunteer programs of various Ayala companies and the Ayala Foundation.
This cohort will be part of the program for the next four years or until the LA Olympics.
“Through the Atletang Ayala program, the Ayala group seeks to inspire more Filipinos to pursue their athletic dreams and bring the nation together through sports,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, the CEO of ACMobility.
Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino added, “Atletang Ayala is the group's investment in the next generation of sports leaders who will influence and inspire others to excel in whatever field they choose.”
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