Sports exec hopeful of return of face-to-face sporting events

Milo Sports Executive Lester Castillo talks to organizers of the National Milo Marathon and Milo Little Olympics during a virtual get-together last February 27, 2021.

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The organizers of the National Milo Marathon (NMM) and the Milo Little Olympics (MLO) are optimistic about being able to organize face-to-face sporting events soon.

In a recent virtual get-together dubbed “Kamustahan: Isports Sa Pandemya. The MLO & NMM Organizers Virtual Reunion,”  Milo Sports Executive Lester Castillo reassured the organizing crew that they will soon be back to holding face-to-face sporting events.

“Makakaasa kayo na babalik ang Milo Little Olympics at Milo Marathon sa tamang oras. Ibabalik natin lahat ng Milo sports programs,” said Castillo.

The virtual get-together was also attended by Visayas NMM and MLO organizer Ricky Ballesteros and other organizers of the two sporting events’ regional legs.

“When there is the green light from the government for ground sports to come back, I will personally push to make it happen. Gigil na gigil na yung mga athletes natin to come back,” Castillo added.

VIRTUAL SPORTS PROGRAMS

At the moment, Milo is holding two separate sports programs to cater to grassroots-level athletes. These are the Milo Sports Clinic Online and the Milo Sports Interactive Online Class. 

The Milo Sports Clinic is for those who choose to train the online-self learning sports module independently, while the interactive online class is held in a virtual group session. 

Castillo also revealed that once the on-ground sports come back, they plan to continue their digital sports program to widen their reach to more aspiring young athletes around the country. 

“Pag ready na ulit itong mga on-ground sports program, we will all come back with a vengeance. We will accelerate millions of Filipinos back into their active lifestyle,” Castillo said.

Ballesteros, for his part, said he is as hopeful as Castillo and his fellow organizers.

He said that there is a stark difference in terms of the interaction between virtual and in-person sports activities. 

“Hopefully, with the vaccine already rolling out, we hope for the resumption of face-to-face sports events,” Ballesteros said. 

For now, Ballesteros said they have to wait and see for developments regarding the pandemic. 

While waiting, Ballesteros said they will continue to rely on virtual sports activities to keep athletes physically and mentally fit.

“It is very important to note that safely hosting a large event, including sporting events , in areas where there are high levels of COVID-19 is very challenging,” Ballesteros said. “But i hope that by next year, with the rollout and full implementation  of vaccination, we can go back in holding big events like Milo marathon and Milo Little Olympics.” 

/bmjo