As a brand committed to nourishing kids in their journey to success, MILO strengthens its partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee to safeguard sports for everyone.
In connection to World Inclusion Day last Oct.10, MILO joined forces with the Philippine Olympic Committee to host a two-day workshop for safety, gender equity, and inclusivity in Philippine grassroots sports.
The workshop was facilitated by Rose Mae Lanticse, RN, Safeguarding Lead for Training & Education, and Hilton Soberano, Safeguarding in Sports Facilitator—both from the POC Safe Sport Commission.
Attended by coaches, local government unit representatives, Department of Education representatives, parents of athletes, and sports partners, the workshop taught the importance of gender equity and inclusivity in sports—especially at the grassroots level—and how each of the attendees had a role to play in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Through interactive activities and open discussions, the workshop identified key points on safeguarding sports:
Safeguarding sports is the responsibility of everyone involved, from the parents to the coaches, the training center, and the government. The first step to properly address possible concerns is to familiarize oneself with key terms and definitions to be able to identify the types, signs, and symptoms of harm and abuse.
Although some universal safeguarding policies are in place, all sports organizations, regardless of size, should have a policy for safeguarding sports. This safeguarding policy makes a clear statement of the organization’s intent and commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for children to grow in their field of sports.
“With the celebration of World Inclusion Day and the recent Safe Sports Day, we at MILO® recognized the importance of bringing together sports stakeholders so we can work hand in hand to safeguard sports. With the eye-opening learnings and fruitful discussions from the workshop, we are optimistic that we are taking one step closer to creating these safe spaces for our young aspiring athletes,” Carlo Sampan, head of MILO Sports.
The safeguarding sports workshop is just the latest of MILO’s initiatives to support children in sports. Throughout the decades of MILO in the Philippines, the brand has partnered with numerous sports clinics, local government units, and sports partners to help children unleash the champion within them.
As the brand nears its 60th anniversary in the Philippines, it commits to doubling down on its initiatives to nourish children in their journey to success— from continuing to provide nutritious energy in every cup of MILO to inspiring them to grow with sports through its various programs.