The Atletang Ayala program, brought to life by the Ayala Foundation, has selected 19 exceptional Filipino athletes for its latest cohort, providing them with vital support for sports training and career development opportunities within the Ayala group. This year’s selection highlights the remarkable talents of a diverse set of athletes who have achieved recognition in both national and international competitions, including the recent 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

Among the standout athletes is Joanie Delgaco, who made history as the first female rower to represent the Philippines in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Delgaco expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Atletang Ayala will help me a lot in terms of extra support for my training here and abroad. It will also assist in my professional growth within the Ayala group through new skills and knowledge imparted by the program.”

Allain Ganapin, competing in taekwondo at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the program’s role in enhancing training, conditioning, and nutrition. He believes it will elevate them to the level required to achieve Olympic and Paralympic medals in the future.

The impressive roster of athletes joining the Atletang Ayala program includes:

• Amparo Acuña (shooting)
• Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo, Tokyo Olympics 2021)
• Jason Baucas (wrestling)
• Abby Bidaure (archery)
• Baby Canabal (taekwondo)
• Janna Catantan (fencing)
• Dave Cea (taekwondo)
• Allaine Cortey (fencing)
• Laila Delo (taekwondo)
• John Ferrer (judo)
• Veronica Garces (taekwondo)
• Leah Jhane Lopez (judo)
• Noelito Jose Jr. (fencing)
• Nathaniel Perez (fencing)
• Franchette Quiroz (shooting)
• Jonathan Reaport (archery)
• Sammuel Tranquilan (fencing)

The Atletang Ayala program not only enhances training and competition resources but also emphasizes career growth opportunities for the selected athletes. Participants will benefit from flexible employment arrangements, coverage under Healthway Medical Network’s Athletes’ Health program—which includes physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology—as well as access to top-tier sports facilities at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite. Additionally, they will receive financial support for international training camps and competitions, and engage in various sports-related volunteer initiatives within the Ayala group.

Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of AC Mobility, welcomed the athletes at a recent event at the Ayala headquarters in Makati City, underscoring the program’s aim to inspire more Filipinos to chase their athletic dreams and unite the nation through sports.

The Ayala Foundation, along with its partners—Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, ACEN, AC Health, AC Logistics, Integrated Micro-Electronics, and the Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative—runs the Atletang Ayala program to nurture the next generation of sports leaders who will motivate and influence others to excel in their chosen fields.

With such comprehensive support, these 19 athletes are poised to make their mark on the global stage, embodying the spirit of excellence in Philippine sports.