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.
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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.
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Wacky Baniqued finishing 1st in the boys 13-14 category of Alaska IronKids 2017 in Cebu
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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.
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Coach Ani de Leon-Brown (leftmost) and the podium finishers capping off the Alaska IronKids 2018 in Davao with a milk toast
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“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.
