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Philippines Grass Roots Athletics – 1000 Shoes for running Donated

Requests for Help with Sending sports shoes for running from Germany

Dear Friends from all over the world,

Good day. I am Mr. Airnel T. Abarra, Grade School Sports Officer and Track and Field Coach of Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines. If you remember last year.

I also posted my request for assistance/pledges in shipping the donated sports shoes for running/spikes from the German Sport University. Through everybody’s effort, we were able to give the sports shoes to different athletes in Mindanao (see: athletics.addu.edu.ph)

In contrast this year, the German University Sports Federation donated sets of sportswear to be given to our less-fortunate athletes and coaches (see photos). We are thankful for their continuous generosity. As we know, bringing this set of sports attire to the Philippines can entail a lot of costs.

In line with this, I hope through the generous hearts of everyone that we help or collaborate to ship this set of sportswear to the Philippines. So far there is a friend who requested anonymity that helped to cover part of the shipping costs. Still, we need to find ways to cover the other half. Currently, the sportswear is in safekeeping in my host’s house in Cologne, Germany.

Above all Hoping for your assistance and generosity to bring this sportswear to the less-fortunate athletes in Mindanao and other communities in the Philippines. Feel free to contact me for any inquiries.



Sincerely, Airnel T. Abarra

[email protected]

230 Shoes from Germany

Through the efforts of Airnel Abarra and his supporters. A total of 230 Running shoes (some of these spike shoes) were donated to the Davao based program. 33 From Germany, 27 from the Quintero sisters in the United States, and more recently 170 from running buddies in Manila. These shoes will be a great help to the Philippines Grass Roots Athletics.







Thank you very much Running Buddies Manila for being part of our advocacy of Shoes/Spikes for Mindanao through its convener Geraldine Guevara.

Coach Ghe is my kapwa Iskolar ng Bayan in UP College of Human Kinetics and a certified fitness trainer who took the task of collecting running shoe with her friends and colleagues Fe, Air, Tin, Kay, and Lor. The turn over was organized at the Grade School Conference Room, Ateneo de Davao University Matina Campus on 17-Nov.

Through the efforts of the whole community, we were able to give shoes close to 120 athletes throughout Davao Region. The remaining shoes will be given to other regions in Mindanao particularly in the ARMM. #StartBright #Coach4Mindanao #KaibiganKalaroKasama #Prinsipyo.

Philippines Grass Roots Athletics

High Jumper Alexie Caimoso Brooks with a PB of 1.72m in feet that is 5’6. She has the High Jump Palaro Record. National Junior Heptathlon Events Champion, and recently Bronze Medalist at the ASEAN School Games. Receives shoes from Airnel Talatala Abarra through the help of his generous benefactors from Germany and the United States. In particular, Mr. Norbert Stein from German Sports University who donated the spikes.

Alexie has pledged to stay with her Coach Noel Diel in Iloilo for Grade 12. while begging off several Manila College offers. She also is keeping her options open if there are offers from the United States or European Colleges so she can compete in the NCAA system or a higher league. Asking around most US Colleges require a 1.75-1.80 performance.

Pinoyathletics has a write up on her 1.72 , she registered 1.69 at the ASG but she wasn’t feeling 100% on that day.

Here is an Update. We are happy to say that several of the shoes have been given to the ROOP kids supporting Philippines Grass Roots Athletics

ROOP (Run out of Poverty) is a Program in Davao City established by Former Gintong Alay Head Coach Tony Benson of Australia whose goal is to help impoverished kids gain education through Athletics.

Again we like to thank all the people who donated shoes to the Grass-Root Programs of Davao. Also, athletes who will join the Davao meets can be considered for shoes also.

And we would appreciate any further generosity. As our commitment to the Philippine Athletics Community. We show photos of the donated shoes being handed to athletes in need.

Anyone interested in kindly donating shoes to Davao Athletics Program please email Mr. Airnel T. Abarra.

0920-221-0512

Mindanao-Blue Knights Track League Season 5 Kicks Off

Dear Friends,

Good day. Attached here is our report of the 1st leg of the 2018-2019 Mindanao-Blue Knights Track League Season 5.

Press Release

Mindanao Blue Knights Track League Season 5: Expanding Horizons in Grassroots Athletics

0920-221-0512

DAVAO CITY- Serving the whole Mindanao Athletics Community, the 5th season of the only regular and independent Athletics meet in the region stated in great heights with a turn-out of 13 club teams from different communities in Davao Region. Mindanao Blue Knights Track League Season 5 held its opening leg at the Fr. Martinez Sports Center , Ateneo de Davao University on 21-July-2018.

Dr. Ian Banzon a former UAAP Ateneo de Manila Thrower and currently one of the top triathletes in the country graced the opening salvo of the MBKTL. Sharing her insights on the impact of grassroots development and how sport shapes character and ideals, it provided inspiration for the more than 100 athletes who participated in the MBKTL.

In addition as the thrust of the MBKTL is not only providing competitions but also giving meaningful experience for all athletes through this kind of activity. Dr. Banzon also leads a pep talk on proper ways of doing warm-ups and preventing injuries.

In conclusion through the efforts of the stakeholders of MBKTL, the German Sports University Cologne donated nearly 36 spike shoes for the athletes of Mindanao as part of their contribution to the grassroots development in the region. 6 athletes were given the said spikes being top athletes.

Above all the remaining pairs will be distributed to the next legs of MBKTL in October 2018 and January 2019 and during possible visits of the MBKTL community in other regions. Another batch of spikes was given by Fil-Heritage runners Natalia and Daniela Quintero . The Mindanao Athletics Community is grateful to our partners.

In addition MVPs of the event are Josua Dayon and Nino Lacierda (u12 boys), Princess Arias (13-16 girls) Norman Luardo and Darren Palisoc (13-16 boys), Meljoy Gonzales (13-16 girls), Bryce Calumpang, and Raul Cultivar (17-above).

In contrast, the importance of giving the spikes to promising grassroots athletes in the Philippines as the true development of Athletics relies on their hard work and participation. Thus it is imperative we provide creative ways of promoting Athletics and engaging different stakeholders. All of us have a fair share of this and through working together, we can reach more young athletes which are the backbone of the future.

In conclusion, Mindanao Blue Knights Track League is organized by the Ateneo de Davao University-Office of the Athletics in partnership with the University of Southeastern Philippines-University Sports Office. In cooperation with City Mayor’s Office, Davao City, Creating Keepsakes Cafe, and Piccola Bakeshoppe.

Blue Knights proudly supporting Philippines Grass Roots Athletics

Philippines Grass Roots Athletics

Now in its 5th Season, the very popular and well organized Mindanao-Blue Knights meet. Serving the People of Davao City and the greater Mindanao Community. With all welcome to join. This year’s program will feature Track and Field. The Mindanao-Blue Knights meet is so much more than just a School project/thesis for its organizer Airnel T. Abarra but an initiative. It is now a fully-fledged meet and has attracted athletes from all around the country. Pinoyathletics is proud to provide media coverage for the Mindanao Blue-Knights meet.

Schedule of Events Mindanao Blue Knights Track League 21-22-July- 2018

Day 01-Ateneo de Davao University-Matina Campus (Track)

Day 02 University of Southeastern, Obrero, Davao City (Field)

Registration Fee: 50 pesos per athlete, 3 individual events 2 relays

Memo and endorsement to follow

Inquiries: Airnel T. Abarra 0920-221-0512 [email protected]

[EMBED]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BHzrrXvAMo[/EMBED]

Fil-American Duo donate Running Shoes to Davao Grass Root Program

After they saw online our petition in cooperation with Pinoyathletics to send the shoes from German Sports University. The spike shoes from Germany are on shipment and expected to arrive soon to be distributed as chosen incentives for those joining the Davao Blue Knights Track League.



Fil-Heritage Athletes Natalia and Daniela Quintero through their mother Karla Sumilang pledged to send and donate 14 pairs of Spikes and Football Shoes to the promising athletes in the Philippines especially from Mindanao. We are extremely grateful and blessed for this generous donation from this sporting family and hope to see them soon. They are really along with our other supporters helping promote grass root sports in Philippine Athletics.



Daniela and Natalia are both running for the Pacific Coast Shockwaves Athletics Club and currently studying at the Harvard Westlake School in Los Angeles, California, United States. Daghang Salamat Karla, Daniela, at Natalia. The duo is both very strong age grade Middle Distance runners with Daniela having best times of 2:17.22 and 4:40.18 and Natalia 2:17.77, 4:45.63, and 10:16.45 for the 800, 1500 and 3000 respectively. (if they have Philippine passports we can review Age Grade and Junior records).



The Blue Knights meet will kick off its 5th Season as the Premier Track League of Mindanao this weekend July 21-22. This year field events will now be hosted in cooperation with USEP.



The schedule is available here all are welcome to this event.

For inquiries or ties up, hosting of events please contact

AirnelAbarra [email protected]

If your interested in advertising your event or product with Pinoyathletics.info please email

[email protected]

#ChaseExcellence #WeBecomeTheCompanyWeKeep #Coach4Mindanao. #Prinsipyo. #BlueKnights #Pinoyathletics

Germany 38 Pairs of Shoes – Spikes Davao Blue Knights Program Article by Airnel T. Abarra Meet Manager of Davao Blue Knights Athletics Meet SPIKES FOR MINDANAO ATHLETICS COMMUNITY UPDATE: The parcel left the courier hub in Germany and in transit to the Philippines. We hope it will arrive Ateneo de Davao University-Office of the Athletics 3-4 weeks from now. Thank you very much to our beloved partners for the support of this initiative.

We now have had two generous friends and supporters. Cover the shipment cost of 9,347 pesos of the 38 spike shoes from Cologne, Germany to Davao City, Philippines. We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support shown and commend these people for their support of grass root programs in the Philippines.

We also would like to give special thanks to a good friend and host in

Rösrath, Cologne, Germany for facilitating the shipment from his home.

Shoe – Spikes Davao. Philippines Grass Roots Athletics Mga minamahal kong kababayan sa Deutschland (Germany) at sa ibang panig ng daigdig, Magandang Araw Po! Ako po si Mr. Airnel T. Abarra ang Grade School Sports Officer ng Ateneo de Davao University. Nasa Köln, Germany po ako ngayon dahil binigyan po ang ating mga atleta sa Mindanao ng mga sapatos galing sa German Sport University sa pamamagitan ng isa sa kanilang propesor si Dr. Norbert Stein. Dahil napakarami po ng binigay nila sa akin, di ko po ito kakayanin na icheck-in sa eroplano. Dahil dito, nais ko po sanang humingi ng tulong sa pagpapa-Balikbayan Box ng mga sapatos na ito patungong Davao. Sana po may mabuting puso na tumulong po sa aming adhikain na mabigyan ng magandang karanasan ang ating mga atleta sa Mindanao sa pamamagitan ng mga sapatos na ito. Maraming Salamat po! Gumagalang, Airnel Talatala Abarra

airnel.abarra@gmail.com

+49-177-2521422 Dear Friends in Germany and all over the world, Good day. I am Mr. Airnel T. Abarra the Grade School Sports Officer of the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City Philippines. Currently, I am here in Cologne, Germany and we received donated spike shoes in Athletics from the German Sport University through one of its professors Dr. Norbert Stein who is also part of the German University Athletics Federation. In total, we were given almost 38 pairs of new and slightly used spike shoes. Due to the size and weight of the spikes its impossible to include it to my luggage. In line with this, we ask from generous people if they can assist us by covering the courier fees of these shoes to Davao City and Mindanao, The Philippines as a whole. I hope through your goodwill we can bring these humble spikes to the less-fortunate athletes and provide them with meaningful Athletics experience. Thank you very much. Respectfully yours, Airnel Talatala Abarra

airnel.abarra@gmail.com

+49-177-2521422 Mga pinangga kong mga higala sa Germany ug sa kalibutan,Maayong Adlaw. Ako si Mr. Airnel T. Abarra ang Grade School Sports Officer sa Ateneo de Davao University sa Dakbayan sa Dabaw. Karon naa ako diri sa Cologne Germany dahil nakadawat ta ng mga gihatag na spikes apan sa atoang mga atleta dinha sa Mindanao. 38 kabuok ang nahatag sa atoang spikes at lisud kaayo na icheck-in sila sa eroplano. Dahil diri, mangayo unta ako ug tabang apan sa pag-courier ng mga sapatos na ni padulong sa Pilipinas.Unta makatabang ta tanan. Alang sa mga kusog, paningkamot,ug buotan na mga atleta tibuok sa Mindanao. Daghang Salamat.Ang imohang higala, Airnel Talatala Abarra

airnel.abarra@gmail.com

+49-177-2521422 PS. Pasalyloa sa akong pag-istorya sa Bisaya. Dili me hawod mag-istorya. :)

My beloved countrymen in Deutschland (Germany) and on the other side of the world, Good day po! I am Mr. Airnel T. The Grade School Sports Officer of the Ateneo de Davao University. I am in Köln, Germany, I am now given our athletes to Mindanao shoes from German Sport University by one of their professors Dr. Norbert Stein. Because it’s too much that they gave me, I can’t endure it on the plane. Because of this, I would like to ask for help with the balikbayan box of these shoes to Davao. I hope you have a good heart to help our cause to give our athletes a good experience in Mindanao through these shoes. Thank you so much! Respectfully, Airnel Talatala Abarra

[email protected]

+49-177-2521422 Dear Friends in Germany and all over the world, Good day. I am Mr. Airnel T. Abarra the Grade School Sports Officer of the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City Philippines. Currently, I am here in Cologne, Germany and we received donated spike shoes in Athletics from the German Sport University through one of its professors Dr. Norbert Stein who is also part of the German University Athletics Federation. In total, we were given almost 38 pairs of new and slightly used spike shoes. Due to the size and weight of the spikes its impossible to include it to my luggage. In line with this, we ask from generous people if they can assist us by covering the courier fees of these shoes to Davao City and Mindanao, The Philippines as a whole. I hope through your goodwill we can bring these humble spikes to the less-fortunate athletes and provide them with meaningful Athletics experience. Thank you very much. Respectfully yours, Airnel Talatala Abarra

[email protected]

+49-177-2521422 My friends in Germany and the world, Maayong God. I’m Mr Airnel T. At the Ateneo de Davao university at the Ateneo de Davao University. Karon naa akodirisa cologne Germany because eyes ta ng given na spikes but saatoang athletes dinha in Mindanao. 38 kabuokangnahatagsaatoang spikes and harness very ichecksilasa plane. Because of this, I hope i will be able to help you with the courier of the shoes of the Philippines. I hope it’s all. Entertain, paningkamot, cant, cant, cant, Mindanao, and Mindanao. Thank you very much. The Mayor, Airnel Talatala Abarra

[email protected]

+49-177-2521422 PS. I have a story in the English story. I don’t have a story. :) Donate Shoe Advocates around the Philippines Pinoyathletics gives Piglets Spike Shoes (May 26, 2017) A collection of pre-used spike shoes I had acquired through various beneficiaries was donated to the hard-working Adriana Arca and Miguel Arca to distribute to their children. I chose the Arca’s because unlike other kids they choose to stay loyal and stay with their current coaches and not make promises of grandeur from hungry UAAP and NCAA coaches. That way I know that the athletes will really appreciate the shoes just like how they appreciate their coaches they have chosen to stay with. The Arca siblings over the years have been staunch supporters of ‘Fair Selection in Philippine Athletics’. Over the years they have produced several age- grade champions Lirasan, Manay, Belibstre, Soqueno. And more recently Bejoy, Pranisa, Orquieza, and Dela Torre. A tiny school of Romansita Maravilla has only a few hundred students. I had previously donated a pair of Nike running shoes to Jerry Belibestre I had paid personally for from Henry Dagmil from my ASEAN School Games allowance in 2014. The Arcas now currently have 25 athletes/piglets in their piggery. Donate Running Shoes for future Bicol Express Philippines Grass Roots Athletics (Nov 11, 2016) I would like to add. Also, I am helping spread the work of Coach Titus (Saturnino Salazar) who is doing something similar to what I do in Zamboanga Del Sur helping impoverished kids advance opportunities through running. While Coach Titus is based in Manila he also is helping a group of kids in Albay, Bicol. Hence Pinoyathletics firmly supports and believes in the efforts and philanthropy of individuals such as Coach Titus. Let me add also that Bicol is not only famous for its ‘Bicol Express Delicacy’, but producing a lot of good 400m Runners from the likes of Arsenio Jazmin and Santos Magno in the 50s and 60s, Clemente Lupangoo, Honesto Larce, Isidro Del Prado, and Romeo Gido in the 400m. Del Prado at 45.57s still holds the National record for 400 and along with Gido and Larce. The famous Bicol Express still holds the National Record in the 400 over 20 years to this day. So by investing in these kids, you are investing into what I will describe as a hot spot of talent. Santos Magno who was the co-coach of Tony Benson during Gintong Alay and today is still active as a consultant coach in the Bicol region. Bicol article from Takbo.ph NOVEMBER 10, 2016 BY CHICKSNIMANOK Free up some shoe closet space, donate running shoes that you are no longer using. While your gently worn (or even new) running shoes are going to kids in the provinces. Hence they are being taught basic running skills and to love the sport. Also, this season will be the perfect time to give back to the community. While some of these kids may have never even owned a pair. Donate your old running shoes to the kids of Coach Titus’ Grassroots Project. You can contact Coach Titus if you have donations for the kids through his FB or cp# 09205367038. Coach Titus, of Up and Running with Coach Titus Salazar, is a certified IAAF Level 4 Coach. Also, he is known for conducting a running clinic for everyone no matter their shape, size and age. http://www.takbo.ph/2016/11/donate-running-shoes/ Fil-Heritage Athletes Isang Smith and Jessica Lynn Barnard donate shoes to Philippines Grass roots athletics kids in need (Jul 7, 2015) Two Fil-American athletes Isang Smith and Jessica Lynn Barnard have contributed shoes to children in need in the Philippines. Pinoyathletics is very proud of our two members of the Fil-Heritage program for there generous efforts to assist and help Filipino children who are in need. Isang Smith with Team Titus Both Isang and Jessica joined the National Open last year. Isang won the women’s 1500 meters and was second in the 800 meters. The 27-year-old who hails from New York was working with former National Coach Saturino Salazar and his group ‘Team Titus’. Back in March coach Salazar and Isang teamed up with Ramsey Quijano to volunteer there coaching skills with ‘Cebu House of Hope’ and ‘Cebu Kythe Foundation’. Through Shoes for Planet Earth, they were able to receive 56 pairs of shoes for both groups. They spent two days in Cebu leading both groups of children through running drills and taught them the importance of movement, gave them the confidence to transform themselves through sports, and empowered them to set goals. Her next project will be with Advancement for Rural Kids where they will work to provide a running workshop for villages in Capiz where students will be introduced to running and bring health and wellness activities into the communities as well as help them achieve higher levels of education. During my visit to the Philippines, I went to Cebu City to work with two groups of children where we provided running activities and programs for them.The first group is composed of abused girls (6 to 18 years old) who are victims of incest. They are housed in a center run by Franciscan sisters called the Cebu Hope Center. The second group is composed of families with kids who are battling cancer. These are mostly kids 6-18 years old supported by the ‪#‎Kythe‬ foundation for psycho-social care. We injected ‪#‎Running‬ to become a part of both groups therapy. Thanks to @shoes_for_planet_earth there are now 56 pairs of shoes packed and ready to help them on this journey. It’s a very exciting time and more great moments to come!! Philippines Grass-Root Athletics: Jess Barnard with Katherine Khay Santos Jess Barnard, on the other hand, is the SEA Games Bronze medalist 2013 & 2015, National Record Holder and National Champion in the Steeple Chase. She tied up with her teammate. Katherine Khay Santos (aka. The Dude) 2011 SEA Games Bronze medalist in the Long Jump, and started collecting shoes for young athletes in Baguio. With all that running has given to me, I want to give back. I am currently working on “Project: Share a Pair” which gives athletes here in the US the ability to donate shoes to athletes in the Philippines who run and train barefoot. Jessica through Instagram reached out to all of her followers. Including friends, family, teammates, runners, professional runners, et). She shared photos and explained how most athletes in the Philippines run and train barefoot, getting a tremendous response! People from all over the US were willing to donate shoes to these athletes. So far, she has received about three boxes FULL of shoes that are ready to be sent to the Philippines. This is a great help to Philippines Grass Roots Athletics. It makes me so happy to know that runners care for runners, and that we can “share a pair” with others in need PLEASE SHARE THIS ARTICLE AND POST COMMENTS

#Mindanao