The "Ayuda Sa Atleta" program finally started the distribution of gift packs to differently-abled athletes, starting off with those from chess, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, athletics, dancesport, and badminton.
The gift packs contain vitamins, Gatorade drinks, Milo sachets, Alaska products, alcohol, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and face masks, according to project initiator sports journalist Lito Cinco.
"We had to struggle with logistical problems on storage of the donated products from Gatorade, Milo, and Alaska, plus the other items we bought, then the delivery system. With the assistance of PHILSPADA, we were able to connect with different sports groups," said Cinco, who included his house in Taguig as one of the pickup points.
The house of Annette Nelmida, mother of blind paratriathletes Joshua and Jerome in Muntinlupa, was also used as a storage venue.
Co-initiator, former Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Tom Carrasco is advising all other para-sports groups to get in touch with Cinco at tel. no. 0920 9241981, and Nelmida at no. 0917 6263255, to arrange pickup schedules.
"Our big thanks to the many donors and kind-hearted companies and individuals, Jean Henri Lhuillier, who provided the P250,000 seed fund, Foton, F2 Logistics, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Alaska, Nestle Philippines, Philippine Courier Services, the Athletes' Commission with Nikko Huelgas and Annette, and anonymous donors, " said Carrasco.
The campaign still accepts cash donations as the program shifts to the regular athletes this time.
