Ayala Group to Launch New Program for Aspiring Olympians

The Ayala Group is looking to provide holistic support to the Philippines’ future Olympians following the projected launch of its Atletang Ayala program under the Ayala Center for Excellence in Sports (ACES). Ayala Group companies participating in the program will be offering national athletes with full-salaried employment opportunities at part-time hours during their training for the 2022 Asian Games and the 2024 Olympics.

Through this program, the selected athletes will be able to continue with their rigorous preparation while having a steady income to support themselves. The athletes will also be allowed free access to Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub which hosts a wide array of world-class training facilities.

ACES has likewise partnered with De La Salle University to offer Atletang Ayala athletes — looking to continue their education — free enrollment to certain courses. “The Ayala Group of Companies has long recognized the special qualities athletes bring to the workplace,” said Jan Bengzon, ACES program director.

“A number of our executives, in fact, competed as national athletes, and they have been noteworthy for their commitment, resilience, and ability to work in teams,” he added. “At the Ayala Group, we will continue to look for ways to support our national athletes so that hopefully we can encourage more Filipinos to pursue their sports dreams.”

Bengzon further elaborated that they are “excited to open the program application process to all qualified national athletes and look forward to working with them to advance their athletic careers towards qualifying for the upcoming 2022 Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games, and hopefully the 2024 Olympics as well. At the same time, we would also like to work with them to advance their careers beyond sports.”

Aspiring Olympic athletes may apply through https://bit.ly/AtletangAyala on or before March 18. However, applicants must be included in the pool of national athletes in their respective national sports associations that will be competing in medal sports at the 2024 Olympics. The Atletang Ayala program will only be launched once its inaugural class has identified eight athletes.

Accepted applicants will be offered a yearly contract which may be renewed annually until the 2024 Olympics, which will still be dependent on the attainment of clear performance measures under the program. “The success of this program will not be determined by the number of athletes who bring back medals, but by the impact these young men and women will have in their communities as they aspire to reach the pinnacle of their respective sports on the global stage,” explained Bengzon.

Source: Manila Bulletin