MILO launches sports programs for schools, barangays nationwide

MANILA -- MILO Philippines has launched the Champ Camp and the Barangay Liga, two new programs to give the Filipino youth more opportunities to get into sports.

Over the next two years, the programs will bring sports closer to grassroots communities by engaging over one million students and 60,000 parents through the Champ Camp and over 500,000 residents in 300 barangays with the Barangay Liga.

"MILO is proud to kick off these two latest additions to our growing portfolio of grassroots sports programs, which will be offered for free. It is our hope that by reaching out to different public schools and barangays around the country that more parents and kids will realize the value of sports, and ultimately build a nation of champions," said Nestle Philippines, Inc. vice president Willy de Ocampo during a press conference on Wednesday at the Metropolitan Club along Rockwell Drive in Makati City.

The MILO Champ Camp, in partnership with the Department of Education, will tap skilled youth coaches to teach elementary students the basics of basketball, volleyball

and football.

The Barangay MILO Liga, on the other hand, will rehabilitate sports facilities to encourage residents to be more active.

"All these efforts are being made so that the barangay's young residents and even children from surrounding communities and nearby schools will have access to well-conditioned sports venues and become inspired to go out and play. We want to encourage kids in the barangays to become more active through sports, and not be too consumed with their gadgets," said MILO Sports Executive Lester Castillo.

"We envision Barangay MILO Liga to be a training ground for young athletes to pick up at least one sort, develop their skills, and hone their character as future champions. We are very thankful to the barangays which have partnered with us to rally behind this advocacy," Castillo added.

Also present during the press conference were MILO Consumer Marketing Manager Robbie de Vera and Ed Picson, spokesperson of the Philippine Olympic Committee, which is supporting MILO's two new sports program. PNA