As one of the leading sportswear and athletic brands globally, ANTA’s mission is to elevate the journey of any young aspirant. For many kids, a sport like basketball gives them hope—a guiding light that gives them purpose in their journeys. With this, ANTA Philippines partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines for the first of their many basketball clinics for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Make-A-Wish Philippines is the country’s chapter of the international organization, centered on granting wishes to kids with critical illnesses all over the nation. Built on their core values of child focus, integrity, impact, innovation, and community, their mission resonates well with that of ANTA PH—given that the brand organizes events and competitions for young aspirants to showcase their talent in different athletic fields.
ANTA PH, in collaboration with the foundation, set up a one-of-a-kind basketball clinic at the Ronac Art Center in Ortigas, San Juan, for three Make-A-Wish PH kids, namely Zeus, Cody, and JP. The clinic was run by ANTA-signed players and coaches, with the help of ANTA PH Head of Marketing Miko Abello. Together, they developed a fun-filled learning program of basketball drills and games for the day.
“What Make-A-Wish is doing is amazing for these kids who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses. We’re very happy to do something with them today,” shared Abello, who was a Make-A-Wish Philippines volunteer in the early 2000s.
Before the program, the kids were treated to their own ANTA PH gear, with each of them getting a pair of KAI 1s in different colorways. Internationally-recognized sneaker collector DJ Bigboy Cheng then had the kids brought to his clothing store, Secret Fresh, for a shopping spree.
Professional Filipino basketball standouts Poy Erram, Kib Montalbo, Peter Alfaro, Keith Datu, and Justin Chua then taught the Make-A-Wish kids various drills that included passing, dribbling, shooting, defense, and overall team play. Veteran basketball coaches Yuri Escueta, Jeff Napa, and Sandy Arespacochaga supervised the program, making sure to keep the drills playful and engaging for everyone participating.
The players and coaches also shared messages of hope and inspiration to the kids as the day culminated, encouraging them to enrich their passion for the game.
Amongst the coaches, coach Sandy shared how different the initiative was from the usual basketball clinics that he partakes in. “This clinic was different and fun. [These clinics are] It’s always fun. But, I think this has more meaning, perhaps, because of the situation. We’re dealing with kids that are not living a normal life the way kids their age should be living. That in itself makes this unique and special,” Arespacochaga detailed.
This was a special moment for Erram as well, given this was an avenue for him to spend time with the kids. “It’s very special because it’s not often that someone wants to know more about you and your journey. This is one of the platforms where I can share my stories and hopefully inspire them,” he said.
With the help of ANTA PH, along with some of its ambassador athletes and coaches, Make-A-Wish Philippines can forge a meaningful relationship for a shared mission to inspire these kids to keep their love for the sport and their journey alive.
“We are especially thankful to ANTA for organizing an impactful wish experience for five of our wish kids. This partnership aligns perfectly with both of our missions, to bring joy and inspire these wish kids “to go beyond themselves“. We are truly thankful to ANTA for creating an unforgettable experience with their brand ambassadors, which inspired and uplifted the spirits of these brave kids. Moreover, the ANTA products they gave created a room for new hope and motivation, reminding them that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility of a brighter future.” shared Aleah Ortiz, Make-A-Wish Philippines Executive Director.
Given the collaborative event’s success, ANTA PH is currently in talks with Make-A-Wish to pursue a more long-term partnership. As the brand continues to grow in its impact on the country, local aspirants of basketball, brand supporters, and beyond are following in their own journeys of finding hope.