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| Nutritionists, sports practicioners and physical educators come together at the 1st Philippine Sports Nutrition Summit in support of nurturing the next generation of Filipino athletes. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Nestlé Philippines Inc.) |
As the Filipino nation continues to rally behind its athletes who give pride and glory in and out of the country, the quest to support the next generation of sports practitioners through innovation and research remains a constant goal. For this reason, Sports Nutrition Association of the Philippines Inc. (SNAP) held its first-ever Philippine Sports Nutrition Summit, carrying the theme Elevating Performance: Integrating Science and Nutrition held last August 15, 2024 at SMX Convention Center Manila, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City in its goal to pursue excellence in sports nutrition and athlete performance. MILO®, standing firm in its commitment to support athletes in their active journey, served as an official partner to the event as part of its advocacy to rally behind the country’s biggest innovations and learnings in sport.
Overall, the event served as an educational and interactive avenue for participants, consisting of young athletes and coaches, to learn more about the crucial role sports nutrition ultimately plays in athlete performance. In introducing innovative breakthroughs in the field of sport, attendees were greeted by a keynote speech by SNAP President Fia Batua-Mambuay, highlighting how peak performance can be achieved through integrating sports science and nutrition together. Just as well, Q&A sessions provided by Jason Labrador from Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI); nutritionist-dietitian and teacher Mabel Aban; John Joshua C. Timpog, RND from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)’s Sports Nutrition Unit; Dr. Raul Alcantara, MD from the PSC’s Sports Medicine Unit; Commissioner Fritz Gaston from the PSC’s Sports Psychology Unit; and Mark Arlante of Nutri-Fit all unveiled the latest recommended sports nutrition practices that can supplement their performance. MILO® cemented its support throughout the summit through its sampling products, serving as a means to advance their commitment to nourishing champions and rallying behind the up-and-coming generation of athletes. Together with SNAP and other like-minded partners in sports and sports nutrition, MILO® remains committed to empowering athletes and sports on the grassroots level, ensuring that they have a partner in every win – but that they are accompanied in every aspect of their journey, down to their fitness and nutrition as they mold themselves to become Champions.
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| Top Filipino pole vaulter and Olympian EJ Obiena with the students, parents and teachers of Oranbo Elementary School in Pasig City (Image Source: Manila Standard/Nestlé Philippines Inc.) |
Meanwhile, MILO® marked a significant milestone in its mission to inspire young Filipinos to embrace sports and build their champion journeys with a contract renewal ceremony for top Filipino pole vaulter and Olympian athlete EJ Obiena. The partnership serves as a continuation of the brand’s dedication to nurturing future generations of champions, with the support of athletes who embody teamwork, grit, and discipline. To strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in inspiring the youth, MILO®, together with Obiena, paid a visit to the Department of Education (DepEd)'s Central Office for a courtesy call with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban, Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo, and other DepEd top officials and Central Office employees with the aim of heightening access to sports and enabling kids to start their champion journey through grassroots sports programs, sports clinics, and school partnerships. Following the contract renewal, Obiena visited the community of Oranbo Elementary School in Pasig City where he met with over 500 students, parents, and teachers alike eager to meet the champion himself. The school visit served as a powerful reminder of the impact sports can have in shaping the lives of children with Obiena’s story providing real-life inspiration for the students to kickstart their journeys in sports and life. The excitement was further fueled by the iconic MILO® truck, offering cups of MILO® to the students – a simple yet memorable symbol of the brand’s commitment to nourishing not just bodies, but also the dreams of young champions.
Obiena shared, “One of the reasons why I wanted to work with MILO® was the reach they have with kids, when you say sports, it automatically equates to MILO®. As much as I am who I am, I don’t have the same reach to help develop my sports in the country. This is why I need a partner who shares the same vision for such great initiatives for Filipino kids. “EJ Obiena is a testament to how a MILO® ambassador should be, someone who not only excels in sports, but someone that the younger generation looks up to. As such, through EJ, we hope to motivate kids to pursue their passions with the same determination and heart,” shared Head of MILO® Sports Carlo Sampan. As MILO® and Obiena continue to work together, the goal remains clear: to inspire the next generation of Filipino champions, one cup of MILO®, and one sports dream at a time. For more information and to learn more about the latest developments in sports nutrition as well as the latest efforts of MILO® in advocating for future and aspiring Filipino athletes, visit MILO® Philippines' official website at www.milo.com.ph and Facebook page as well as SNAP’s official Facebook page.
