Zedrick James Borja ended his participation in IRONKIDS in grand fashion by ruling the 13-to-14-years-old boys’ category in the Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS Philippines Swim-Run (Aquathlon) at the WOW Reaction and Activity Center in Subic Bay Freeport Zone Saturday.
Other winners were: Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz in the 13 to 14 girls category; Aubrey Tom, girls 11 to 12; Alyssa Khim Cabatian, girls 9 to 10; Mikayla Miracle Salada, girls 6 to 8; Michael Gabriel Lozada, boys 11 to 12; Darell Johnson Braim Bada, boys 9 to 10; and Arthur Emyel Zuelueta, boys 6 to 8;
Corpuz won her third consecutive IRONKIDS in as many races she joined. Borja, on the other hand, said he was overjoyed to win his final IRONKIDS race.
“Ang sarap sa pakiramdam dahil since 9 years old po nag-a-IRONKIDS na ako. Dati finisher lang po ako. Then, dahil nakakasali palagi nag-level up naman po ‘yung performance ko. This is my last race with the IRONKIDS. A big farewell na rin po ito para sa akin. Nanalo po ako sa age category ko,” said Borja.
Lahainah Digermo and Princess Julianne Patilan placed second and third in the 13 to 14 girls, respectively. Kira Ellis and Gerice Oyaman placed second and third in the girls 11 to 12, respectively; while Kyla Louise Bulaga and Jhanelle Cathlene Yumang placed second and third in the 6 to 8 girls, respectively.
Jose Maria Tayag and Juan Miguel Tayag placed second and third in the 13 to 14 boys. Satriani Lorenzio Alcantara and Isaiah Aalee Jain placed second and third, respectively, in the 6 to 8 boys. Sean Matthew Dela Cruz and Kaden Gabriel Sy placed second and third in the 9 to 10 boys, respectively.
Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS is part of Alaska Sports along with the Basketball and Football Power Camps. More than just competition the programs teach children the value of exercise and proper nutrition according to Alaska Milk Corporation Associate Brand Manager Diane Guerta.
“Its main goal is to really encourage young children to have an active lifestyle. Alaska is already there for nutrition but IRONKIDS and the Power Camps are there to teach kids that being active is important. These programs do not just teach the kids fundamental skills of the sport but it teaches good values as well. Alaska Sports aim to have a holistic approach in kids’ development,” said Guerta.
Alaska wants children to adopt a healthy lifestyle not just by drinking milk but also by participating in sports. Guerta added that the race format was changed to encourage more children to join.
“We’re really excited to see that more kids are really getting into triathlon. We are looking forward to younger kids getting into aquathlon or even triathlon. We wanted the parents or kids to not get intimidated with the sport since triathlon can sometimes be too intense for other parents,” said Guerta.
The Alaska IRONKIDS held before the Alveo IRONMAN 70.3 in Davao City and the Alaska IRONKIDS at Vermosa, Cavite were also Aquathlons. The Alaska Fortified IRONKIDS to be held August 10, a day before the Regent Aguila IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines in Cebu, will be a triathlon.
