MANILA: The ‘Atletang Ayala’ initiative by the Ayala Center for Excellence in Sports is set to provide robust support to its roster of 19 athletes, including those with aspirations to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This year’s contingent is spearheaded by Joanie Delgaco, a Paris Olympics rower, and Allain Ganapin, a Paralympian in taekwondo.
According to Philippines News Agency, Delgaco, who made history as the first female rower from the Philippines to qualify for the Olympics, did not secure a medal in Paris but achieved a commendable No. 2 position in the Division D finals. The program’s other athletes include Amparo Acuña and Franchette Quiroz in shooting; Kurt Barbosa, Baby Canabal, Dave Cea, Laila Delo, and Veronica Garces in taekwondo; Jason Baucas in wrestling; Abby Bidaure and Jonathan Reaport in archery; Janna Catantan, Allaine Cortey, Noelito Jose Jr., Sammuel Tranquilan, and Nathaniel Perez in fencing; and John Ferrer and Leah Jhane Lopez in judo.
The Atletang Ayala initiative is a tw
o-pronged program designed to enhance training and competition resources while offering career development opportunities. Athletes are employed full-time with flexible work arrangements across various Ayala companies. They benefit from a comprehensive health program that includes physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology. Additionally, they have access to top-tier sports and fitness facilities at Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite, along with secured financial support for international training camps and competitions.
Delgaco, hailing from Iriga City, Camarines Sur, expressed her gratitude during the launch of the new batch at Ayala Triangle Tower Two in Makati City. She emphasized how Atletang Ayala significantly aids her training domestically and internationally, while also contributing to her professional growth within the Ayala group. Despite the challenges of an athlete’s life, Delgaco remains determined, stating, “We get tired but we don’t stop,” as she sets her sights on competin
g in the Olympics once more.
In addition to their training and competitions, Delgaco and her fellow athletes will engage in sports-related and volunteer programs across various Ayala companies and the Ayala Foundation over the next four years. Although specific salary figures were not disclosed, Jan Bengzon, the head of the Atletang Ayala project, assured that their compensation is highly competitive, likening it to incentives for gold medalists. The athletes are ranked within the top 200 in their respective events, indicating their potential to excel in international arenas.
Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, AC Mobility’s chief executive officer, highlighted the program’s broader mission to inspire more Filipinos to chase their athletic dreams and foster national unity through sports. The inaugural batch of Atletang Ayala was established in April 2022, as the Covid-19 pandemic began to subside, comprising archers like Bidaure and her sister Pia, Andrea Robles, fencers Perez and Jose, swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi
and Xiandi Chua, and karateka Prince Alejo.
Tony Lambino, president of the Ayala Foundation, emphasized the program as an investment in the future generation of sports leaders, who will motivate and encourage others to excel in their chosen fields.
