Hydration and skills training fuel young rising athletic stars
Five months from March this year, 150 communities in Luzon took part in a grassroots program launched by Gatorade under its “Sweat Unites Us” campaign.
Created to empower young athletes at the barangay level, the “Fueled Liga” offered sports skills-building sessions, drills, and inspiration from notable Filipino athletes, as well as hydration knowledge from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.
Inspired by the understanding that sports has the extraordinary ability to unite people and create bonds beyond the court or playing field, Gatorade embarked on a program to help athletes perform their best. As an important extension of the Fueled Liga event, camps for chosen MVPs were held and conducted by celebrity athletes who stand as the brand’s ambassadors.
Designed to inspire the young athletes further, they were given topnotch training by Gatorade pros like basketball star LA Tenorio. He held a basketball camp for 60 kids or the MVPs from Central and Southern Luzon in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Shortly after the event, Tenorio posted on his Instagram how the kids were highly trainable: “These kids just proved why they’re the Gatorade Fueled Liga MVPs! Sobrang galing nila pumick up ng lessons kaya nakakagana din sila turuan! The Gatorade Fueled Liga Camp is definitely a great way to teach aspiring athletes the importance of teamwork and proper hydration. Thanks for letting me be part of this @gatoradeph!”
“At Gatorade, we uphold sports’ transformative, bond-strengthening power, which is truly evident in activities like community leagues. Most Filipinos, in fact, play for the social aspect of these games — not only do they get to play the sport they love, but they also enjoy the chance to socialize with their teammates and have fun,” said Katrina Suarez, PepsiCo Philippines marketing lead for Non-Carbonated Beverages.
We asked both a couple of questions about their successful grassroots training.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: What skills did you want the kids to learn?
LA TENORO: The top three things I want to impart to the kids are discipline, determination, and teamwork. These are essential in building one’s character and athletic performance.
What specific hydration knowledge impacts athletic development?
Hydration is a big part of the development of an athlete and his/her performance. In my experience, it was difficult to complete my training and reach my personal goals when my body was dehydrated. To reach my best potential, I always made sure to stay hydrated with Gatorade before training and my actual games as well as after.
What was the selection criteria for the 60 kids who participated in LA Tenorio’s basketball camp?
KATRINA SUAREZ: The teens who participated in the Fueled Liga camps were 13- to 16-year-olds who scored the highest points in volleyball and basketball skills training and caught the notice of the Gatorade coaches present during the Fueled Liga barangay activation. They were selected to join the camps of Gatorade fellow brand ambassadors, like LA Tenorio, Alyssa Valdez and Dwight Ramos, to further hone their skills.
Is this a one-time event or a long-term program? Will participants experience the training only once or are they in an athletic development program?
In addition to holding the Fueled Liga sports skills-building challenges, Gatorade also sponsored several court refurbishments, such as replacements for basketball and court backboards and volleyball nets — to improve playing experiences in the communities. This opportunity inspires them to give more to their teams, ultimately promoting better teamwork and skills. And through all that, Gatorade will provide the proper hydration and the right fuel to ensure they remain on top of their games, enabling them to give more and sweat more for their teams. Gatorade will continue to support our brand ambassadors who regularly conduct camps, training and nurturing the skills and talents of kids in their communities.
Tenorio admitted that he was once a basketball camp participant. During his time, he had to both queue and pay to join. So he emphasized that the children today are blessed to have this privilege of having free camps. And he is blessed as well to be on the giving end of the program this time around.
* * *
Post me a note at mylenedayrit@gmail.com.
