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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider New Balance gifts 300 pairs of shoes to underserved communities

New Balance gifts 300 pairs of shoes to underserved communities

Published May 14, 2021 12:31 am
Former MMA fighter Geli Bulaong and some of the recipients of the New Balance shoes

New Balance partnered with local sports personalities in inspiring the young generation through the distribution of P2 million worth of new basketball shoes which the global brand hopes to translate into better outlook in life in these trying times.

Retailer MAP Active Philippines Inc. announced the advocacy dubbed as #WeGotNow PH in a virtual press conference on Wednesday, May 13, with its ambassadors Jose Rizal University men’s basketball head coach Louie Gonzales, former MMA fighter Geli Bulaong and Ateneo de Davao athletics director Noli Ayo leading the initiative to motivate the underprivileged sector in pursuing their passion in sports.

With the help of the sports individuals, the shoe and lifestyle brand is eyeing to provide a total of 300 pairs of shoes to communities in Bulacan, Cavite, Manila, Davao and BARMM.

“This pandemic held sports to a standstill,” MAP Active Philippines marketing director Sugar Meneses said. “However, our sports community have shown great resilience and grit to keep optimistic and productive despite the challenges.”

“We hope that others will take on the challenge of trying to make the most of the moment to make a difference for good,” Meneses added.

The recipients of the shoes were identified in the underserved communities. The brand wants these pairs to reignite the passion among the individuals and carry on with their endeavors in life.

As a mentor to aspiring coaches, Gonzales makes the most out of his engagements. By his means, the sport that he loves could serve as a tool to fight anxiety caused by this pandemic.

“By pushing basketball related content, I was able to encourage fellow coaches to be positive and see the situation as an opportunity to improve and plan,” he said.

Bulaong, meanwhile, stepped up with jiu jitsu world champion Meggie Ochoa to fight for the end of sexual violence through their advocacy, Fight to Protect.

Ayo, for his part, wants to share his expertise through his lectures, with the current setup of online learning giving him the best outlet to interact with sports leaders, athletes and coaches.

Related Tags

New Balance Louie Gonzales Geli Bulaong Noli Ayo
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