MANILA, October 11, 2021 – Nike is empowering the next generation of Filipina girls and driving a meaningful change in the community through the power of sport.
Continuing on its partnership with Manila-based non-profit organization, Girls Got Game Philippines, Nike is today announcing the launch of two creatively designed, fully refurbished multi-purpose courts giving young girls a space to learn, grow and have fun, while increasing access to play and sport opportunities.
The courts were unveiled on International Day Of The Girl, a day commemorated by the United Nations to celebrate young girls and highlight the unique challenges they face every day.
Jino Ferrer, country marketing manager, Nike Philippines, said: “Kids are made to play, yet many in the Philippines, particularly young girls, do not have access to sports. Nike and Girls Got Game are investing in the future of kids by giving them access to tools and training they need for success, building confidence on and off the court by exposing them to positive female role models, and breaking down barriers to create inclusive communities.”
Located at Sacred Heart Academy School in Sta. Maria Bulacan, these courts were designed by artist and illustrator Jill Arteche, who celebrates Filipina culture through her whimsical artwork.
Illustrated on the outdoor court, which represents the “Now”, are the young girls learning sports like volleyball, basketball, rugby, and football while the indoor court features the young girls’ ambitions of the “Future” by becoming doctors, leaders, and athletes, a reminder that their dreams are within reach.
Added Ferrer: “We hope to inspire the next generation of Filipina girls to view the refurbished courts as a symbol of their goals and dreams and that accomplishing these, however small, is what brings a sense of achievement.”
Said Mariana Lopa, managing director, Girls Got Game: “Sport has the power to transform a person, a community, and even the world. Nike and Girls Got Game share a common purpose: to move the world forward through sport. We see girls as the changemakers who have the power to improve their communities. Through our sports clinics, we coach them to build confidence and realize their full potential so they can have an equitable future.”
Girls Got Game sports camps have so far helped more than 2,500 young girls across the Philippines in 10-14 years age group who come primarily from economically challenged households.
The homecourt signifies a shift towards the future of sports as it will be a permanent safe place where aspiring Filipina athletes can socialize, express themselves freely and experience the joys of sport.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, Girls Got Game launched the “GGG Club” wherein they conduct sports camps online.
Nike knows that by creating safe and fun places for girls to play, and with the right mindset and tools, like Nike’s latest coaching guide, anyone can help create an inclusive play and sport environment for girls.
For more details about Nike’s Made to Play Coaching Guide, visit: https://www.nike.com/pdf/coaching-girls-guide.pdf
To learn more about Nike’s commitment to get kids moving, visit: https://www.nike.com/made-to-play
For more details on the story of Girls Got Game Philippines, visit: https://www.facebook.com/girlsgotgameph/
https://instagram.com/girlsgotgameph?utm_medium=copy_link
