ALASKA IRONKIDS: SA PORMA, GALAW, AT PUSO – WALANG TATALO!

IronKids is a three-in-one sport which combines, swimming, cycling, and running, which tests one’s physical and mental will. But how do you add in the fun?

While teaching children the values of hard work, determination, team work, sportsmanship, and discipline, Alaska IronKids is, first and foremost, an avenue for kids to make the most of their time and energy engaged in sports instead of whiling their time away playing video games or browsing the internet. It also allows them to mingle and make new friends while having fun.

With the excitement built up from Swim.Bike.Run in Davao City last March and Swim.Run at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School grounds the following month, both kids and parents have so much to look forward to the second half of 2018.

On Saturday, June 02, more than 350 young athletes from all over the country are expected to conquer Subic Bay in the Alaska IronKids Swim.Run at the WOW Recreation and Activity Center in Subic Bay.

Mr. Fred Uytengsu, SEI President and Alaska Milk Corporation Chairman of the Board, shared that while they enjoy the race by ‘playing’ the sport, Alaska IronKids promotes creative ways to instill sportsmanship and discipline to young athletes.

"More than encouraging healthier, active lifestyles, Alaska IronKids offers children and teens the opportunity to build confidence and learn the values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance, while making new friends and having fun!” said Uytengsu.

Clifford Pusing who is running in his last Alaska IronKids race this weekend, dreams of leveling up his game by joining the Ironman next year with the help of Coach Ani de Leon-Brown and his father Mike. Through the years, his dedication for Alaska IronKids has remained the same, win or lose.

Clifford Pusing finishing 1st in the boys 13-14 category of Alaska IronKids 2018 in Davao

“I chose to join Alaska IronKids because they gave me a chance to develop my skills and sportsmanship. Winning is everything but when I lose, I learned to accept my defeat with dignity,” he stated.

Wacky Baniqued finishing 1st in the boys 13-14 category of Alaska IronKids 2017 in Cebu

Wacky Baniqued, who has been lording it over in the event since age seven, meanwhile, wrapped up his Alaska IronKids career last year in Cebu City in top spot.

“I am thankful to the organizer of Alaska IronKids. It has been so much fun experience for me. I am part of the Philippine Triathlon Team now because IronKids introduced me to the exciting world of triathlon,” Baniqued, a proud product of Alaska IronKids, expressed.

He also now serves as Alaska IronKids volunteer marshall as his way of giving back to the program. Baniqued was present during the Swim.Run at Ateneo Grade School and is expected to support the program anew in Alaska IronKids Swim.Run Subic on June 2.

Coach Ani de Leon-Brown (leftmost) and the podium finishers capping off the Alaska IronKids 2018 in Davao with a milk toast

“Alaska IronKids aims to give excitement to children and encourage a love for the outdoors and healthier lifestyles. In addition, it provides the perfect venue for families to bond and for parents to demonstrate in ‘real-time’ that being healthy can also be fun,” Uytengsu said.

A study conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showed that obesity has become one of the prevalent nutritional problems of Filipino children, affecting about 5 out of 100 kids. This growing health issue has prompted Alaska to reinforce its thrust in promoting proper nutrition by drinking milk and nourishing healthy lifestyle through sports and outdoor activities for the youth.

“A balanced diet and training, along with Alaska Chocolate Powdered Milk Drink, helps your child’s body to function at its optimum and recover quickly after training and race day. It has energizing nutrients namely magnesium, calcium, and potassium that keep young athletes' bodies in winning form. Para sa porma, galaw, at puso – walang tatalo!” says Ms. Blen Fernando, Marketing Director of Alaska Milk Corporation.

Happening back-to-back with IronKids is the first full distance triathlon event to be held in the country. With this year’s theme “Ironman sa Sariling Bayan”, IRONMAN PHILIPPINES PRESENTED BY ALASKA will be held on June 3, Sunday in Subic with August Benedicto as the Philippines’ lone representative. As of May 18, the total number of participants have been listed at 1,553 – 1,272 for the full distance with 281 for the 70.3. Daniel dela Cruz will be designing the medals.

After the action-filled weekend in Subic Bay, action shifts to Cebu City for the Alaska IronKids Swim. Bike. Run slated on August 4.

Help your child reach his full potential by participating in ALASKA IRONKIDS PHILIPPINES. For more information, visit www.IronKidsphil.com and www.playPH.com, and follow @AlaskaMilkPhilippines and @playPH in Facebook for live updates.