Imus, Cavite—Filipino track and field athletes now have their own state-of-the-art facilities to prepare for local and international competitions.
Ayala Corporation expanded its support of the country’s national track and field athletes by giving them the world-class Vermosa Sports Hub here as their new home.
Ayala earlier teamed up with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association by serving as the title sponsor of the Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships in Ilagan, Isabela.
“We hope that our facilities will enhance your training as you prepare to be the country’s flag-bearers and represent us in competitions abroad,” said Jay Teodoro, Estate Head of Vermosa Sports Hub during the formal launch of its partnership with the Patafa last Friday.
Vermosa has the first 400-meter, nine lane track oval in the country. It is also the only local track oval certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
He added that work is not done yet with a grandstand and more seating facilities to be built beside the track oval. Billeting quarters for the athletes will also be constructed. These will allow them to host future events and competition.
Ayala Land, Inc. Managing Director John Philip Orbeta said they hoped to provide what the country’s athletes needed most which is a world class training facility.
“We believe in our national athletes’ potential to inspire, drive and instill collective nationalism through sports. One of the biggest gaps is an internationally certified athletics facility which the Vermosa Sports Hub provides as a means to improve their performance and competitiveness,” said Orbeta.
Ayala Corp. will also continue to provide financial support to facilitate Patafa’s comprehensive recruitment and training programs. Ayala also seeks to improve the athletes’ lives as they try to help expand opportunities for athletes to train better, perform better and compete better.
Philippine track and field athletes will also have access to the 600-square meter Sante Fitness Lab, a first-of-its-kind combination of facilities in the country.
It will feature a strength and conditioning fitness facility, sports rehab areas, a Sports Science Laboratory, a dance studio, a spinning class area, bike shop and services, a nutrition and fitness café, VO2 max/lactate testing plus conference and lecture rooms.
“Ayala’s support will help the athletes train better, perform better and hopefully bring more medals and recognition for the country,” said Patafa President Philip Ella Juico.
The eagerness to help improve the skills and international ranking of our national athletes has spurred the Ayala Group to do its part in helping Filipino athletes achieve excellence in their respective sports and succeed in various international competitions.
