19 promising Filipino athletes join Ayala Foundation’s Atletang Ayala program

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Nineteen top-caliber Filipino athletes have joined the Ayala Foundation’s Atletang Ayala program, which supports their sports training while offering opportunities for career development in the Ayala group.

This year’s Atletang Ayala batch represents a diverse set of athletes who have shown immense promise and have made a mark in national and international competitions, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Joanie Delgaco, the first female rower to represent the Philippines at the 2024 Summer Olympics held in Paris, France, said, “Atletang Ayala will help me a lot in 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.”

Allain Ganapin, who represented the country in taekwondo at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, added, “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.”

Aside from Joanie and Allain, the following athletes have been selected for the Atletang Ayala program: Amparo Acuña, shooting; Kurt Barbosa, taekwondo (Tokyo Olympics 2021); Jason Baucas, wrestling; Abby Bidaure, archery; Baby Canabal, taekwondo; Janna Catantan, fencing; Dave Cea, taekwondo; Allaine Cortey, fencing; Laila Delo, taekwondo; John Ferrer, judo; Veronica Garces, taekwondo; Leah Jhane Lopez, judo; Noelito Jose Jr., fencing; Nathaniel Perez, fencing; Franchette Quiroz, shooting; Jonathan Reaport, archery; and Sammuel Tranquilan, fencing.

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 Cavite; 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 Ayala Foundation. This cohort will be part of the program for the next four years.

Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, AC Mobility CEO, who welcomed the athletes at a special event held at the Ayala headquarters in Makati City, said, “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.”

Added Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino: “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.”

The Ayala Foundation runs the Atletang Ayala program, which is supported by Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, ACEN, AC Health, AC Logistics, AC Mobility, Integrated Micro-Electronics, and the Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative.