The Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation (MVPSF) announced Monday, April 19, it has tapped Gretchen Ho as its ambassador.
As ambassador, the former volleyball player-turned-newscaster will help in promoting support on Filipino athletes bound to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
So far, the country has seven Olympic qualifiers in boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Irish Magno, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo and most recently, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.
“We welcome Gretchen to the MVPSF family. She has been a leading voice in Philippine sports and living proof that sport can be a vehicle for positive change in society so it made perfect sense to have her come on as our ambassador,” said MVPSF President Al Panlilio.
“We believe that Gretchen will be a great addition to our team. She has both a talent for storytelling and a passion to uplift our national athletes,” added MVPSF Executive Director Jude Turcuato.
Ho played for the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the UAAP followed by a brief stint in the semi-professional league before transitioning into broadcasting.
With her new role, Ho said she is excited to work with athletes in order to bring their stories closer to the Filipinos.
“I’m very excited and honored to work with the MVP Sports Foundation. They have been doing great work all these years providing vital support for our athletes, and I feel so much in line with their mission of uplifting Philippine sports — from the national level down to the grassroots," Ho said.
"As an athlete myself, I understand the value of telling stories and getting those to reach a wide audience. Not only will it help shed light on the lives of our Filipino athletes, but it will allow us to take a closer look at what we can still improve on.”
The MVPSF aims to showcase Filipino athletes as an integral part in nation building, focusing on the country’s bid for a first Olympic gold medal. Its programs range from the grassroots to the elite level.