By Maxine Louise Lagman
A group of athletes from University of the Philippines organized an online training program for the benefit of frontline workers.
Dubbed as “Frontline Fitness,” the Sports Science and Physical Education students of UP College of Human Kinetics invite everyone to join and enroll in the online classes that aim to build strength and fitness now that the enhanced community quarantine has been extended until April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Not only that, all proceeds will be given to Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, which works with the Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo. Joining a class sponsors one PPE, and weekly and monthly training programs may also be availed for two and six PPEs, respectively.
“It was Coach Rham Ybiernas’ idea,” Nina Alvia, former UP courtside reporter and UP track and field athlete, told Manila Bulletin in an online interview.
“He wanted to help in a way that we Sports Science/BPE graduates can. We all know that so many people are trying to stay fit during this time, so by doing this, we’re able to help both frontliners and those at home.”
Along with Alvia, Rham Ybiernas and Paul Ericta are former Nike Run Club-Diliman coaches. They are joined by another former track and field athlete Bianca Ramos and former UP badminton athlete and National Team athlete Vinci Manuel.
Those who are interested can avail three kinds of programs: an open group class and private group class is P350 per person, and personal training costs P500 per day, P700 per week and P2000 per month. Alvia said the group classes is for general fitness and strengthening, while personal training classes are client-adjusted and has a specific goal to attain.
“It was just our initiative and this is what our founder, Coach Rham Ybiernas said, ‘Kahit hindi ito proyekto ng unibersidad, tinuruan po kami ng UP na gamitin ang aming pinagaralan para sa ikabubuti ng bayan,’” said Alvia.
Other athletes have joined in the initiative. Former UP track and field athlete and the lone UP athlete to have won gold in the women’s 100m, Jeremiah Alonzo, has enrolled in their classes. JB Borlongan from the UP Football Team and National Team also availed the classes, but Alvia said they hope other people, athlete or not, can join too.
“We don’t only train athletes, we want to be able to help everyone and anyone,” she said.
Their target goal is at least P35,000 to provide at least 100 PPEs. So far they have earned P14,900. If you have any questions or wish to avail any of their classes to support the cause, you can contact any of the coaches online or email them at frontlinefitnessph@gmail.com.
Other athletes have been taking the initiative too in helping provide necessary equipment for frontliners. Former Ateneo volleyball player Jia Morado organized “Every Little Thing Counts,” where she, along with other volleyball players like Alyssa Valdez, Bea De Leon and Ejay Laure, put their jerseys up for bidding to raise funds.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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