Ayala Backs PATAFA Track and Field Athletes

Ayala Corporation, with its partnership with the Philippine Athletcics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), gave its support to the country’s national track and field athletes through its newly opened Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

PATAFA President Philip Juico is elated with their partnership with Ayala, which he said can help improve how our athletes can prepare for international competitions.

Vermosa Sports Hub was also recently named as PATAFA’s new official home during a ceremonial event last June 29. Ayala will also provide financial support in the recruitment program on top of the free use of their training facilities.

Ayala and PATAFA Partnership

“Ayala’s support will help the athletes train better, perform better and hopefully bring more medals and recognition for the country,” said Juico.

Several weeks ago, the premier realty developer also served as the title sponsor of the recently-concluded Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships in Ilagan, Isabela.

“We believe in our national athlete’s potential to inspire, drive and instill collective nationalism through sports,” said Ayala’s John Philip Orbeta. He further explains that Ayala aims to address one of the biggest gaps in the country’s sports program- the lack of world class training facilities.

World-Class Track and Field Oval

Vermosa sports hub prides itself to have the only International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified track and field oval in the Philippines. The nine-lane oval has met the specifications and standards of the IAAF and is similar to what is used in athletics competitions abroad.

Aside from the track and field oval, Vermosa also has an Olympic sized pool. Other facilities that are currently being developed in the sports hub include: a 600-meter strength and fitness Sante Fitness Lab and a Sports Science Laboratory which PATAFA will also have access to.

(Image via Vermosa.ph)

Ayala also plans to build a 3,000-seat multi-purpose indoor sports arena, a dance studio, a spinning class area, lecture rooms, nutrition and fitness café, bike shops and other sports related establishments within the sports hub.

Manila Water as Hydration Sponsor

For their part, Manila Water Company, through their subsidiary Manila Water Total Solutions (MWTS) is also joining the initiative. The company has presented itself as the hydration sponsor of the PATAFA athletes and will supply 4,000 bottled water to PATAFA athletes each month.

In return, MWTS expects PATAFA’s support on a program they call “Toka ng PATAFA” which promotes proper waste segregation and recovery of used PET bottles. MWTS also advocates responsible consumerism and environmental stewardship which they say athletes could champion along with health and wellness.

**Feature Image Credit: Ayala.com.ph