AIRASIA Philippines, fulfilling its commitment to providing inclusive flying, has partnered with the Philippine Junior Weightlifting Team in flying two of its members to Manila for an intensive one-week training program at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) facility.

Angeline Colonia, 16, and 15-year-old Rosalinda Faustino, together with their coach Gregorio Colonia, flew to Manila from Zamboanga City via AirAsia on July 2 in preparation for the 2022 Asian Juniors and Youth Weightlifting Championship in Uzbekistan happening from July 15 to 25.

The Filipino Allstars, led by AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ricky Isla, gave them a warm welcome and a jovial send-off during their recent visit to RedPoint Headquarters in Manila.

“AirAsia Philippines firmly believes that flying must be accessible for everyone, especially those who fly to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams. We immediately heeded the call for collaboration when our media partner, Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Zamboanga, reached out to us to support these young athletes. We see Angeline and Rosalinda not just as athletes but as future leaders, creators, and game-changers. By offering flights to the athletes and their training team, we make sure that they arrive safe and well-rested from their point of origin to their destination,” Isla said.

This is the first time that the Filipina athletes are joining an international competition.

Colonia will participate in the Women’s 40kg event, while Faustino will lift 9kgs higher in the Women’s 49kg event.

They will be competing along with 400 other athletes from 25 countries. The Uzbekistan championship will serve as their tune-up competition for Cambodia’s 2023 SEA (Southeast Asian) Games.

“We want our athletes to feel that AirAsia Philippines and the rest of the country are behind them. To Angeline and Rosalinda, saludo kami sa inyo. Know that for all your kababayans, you already are winners,” Isla added.

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Jun I. Legaspi