Chooks-to-Go has always supported the Filipino dream. And it’s not different with our athletes that are differently-abled.
Wednesday afternoon, Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. president Ronald Mascariñas entered a partnership with Special Olympics Philippines, supporting them in their goal of making it to the global meet
“We always supported the Filipino dream but what makes our special athletes with intellectual disability different? For us, there’s no difference since they are also representing the country with all their might. Sila pa nga ang tunay na Manok ng Bayan,” the sports patron said.
The extent of Chooks-to-Go’s support is to provide meals, coaches, and training venues through Gold’s Gym.
Representing Special Olympics Philippines was Special Olympics International Global Messenger Brina Maxino, a 23-year-old who graduated as valedictorian in a regular school despite having down syndrome, Brina’s father Winston, and National Executive Director Kaye Samson.
“In our program, we have all sports—swimming, athletics, basketball, bowling, volleyball, table tennis, powerlifting, gymnastics, football, badminton—so marami. But since BAVI is into basketball, I think they will help us with basketball, with the best coaches,” said Samson.
“All of them can still think and process ideas regularly. Pero with them, sometimes it’s slower, sometimes it’s faster, so very different. That’s why this is a very special partnership.”
“When we went to Bounty, we were just expecting for the management and the Big Boss to listen and to give attention. But the management exceeded our expectations. Hindi pa kami tapos magpresent pero the Big Boss already gave us huge opportunities,” added Winston.
Besides supporting these athletes, Mascariñas is now working on the possibility of employing them in his company. With this, these athletes can have full lives outside of sports.