Meralco Bolts, Autism Society PH Join Forces in Basketball clinic

 

It's a milestone for youth and inclusion after One Meralco Foundation, the Autism Society PH, the Meralco Bolts, and the Meralco Employees Savings and Loan Association (MESALA), along with the National Council on Disability Affairs, came together for an autism-inclusive basketball clinic to mark the 29th National Autism Consciousness Week.

The Meralco Bolts, led by Bolts consultant Coach Norman Black and manager Paolo Trillo, conducted the clinic with 23 young people on the autism spectrum to develop their skills, teamwork, and confidence while playing with other participants. They were joined by Meralco volunteers who provided hands-on support to the participants during the activity which included basic drills, dribbling, passing, and even shooting.

 

 

The participants were all smiles, greeted by cheers throughout the activity. For Rheyn Garcia, one of the participants, it was exciting to play with the Bolts, whom he only saw on TV as a basketball fan. He, along with his mother Armida, hopes there would be more basketball clinics for young people like him. "Parang napupunta po ako sa alapaap dahil ito po 'yung unang pagkakataon na makikita ko po sila in person," the 16-year-old said.

Chris Newsome, the Meralco Bolts Team Captain, has this to say: "We want to bridge the gap between the fans and the players. A lot of us had been kids at some point and we always looked up to basketball players or PBA players growing up, and here, many of us are PBA players already so you never know who you'll inspire."

 

 

Meanwhile, Coach Norman Black shared: "I've been coaching for a long time but it's times like these that make your heart feel better, when you give a little bit back for all you've been given all these years. I definitely look forward to doing another one again."

Paolo Trillo, manager of the Meralco Bolts, said the players are excited to share the experience with those on the autism spectrum. "We always look for opportunities to share our blessings."

“This clinic is not just about teaching basketball; it’s about building bridges and fostering a culture of inclusion where every person on the autism spectrum feels empowered to succeed in whatever they want to do in life,” shared Mona Magno Veluz , National Spokesperson of the Autism Society Philippines.

Through initiatives such as this, OMF invests in the future of young people by opening opportunities for them.

"I hope this is not the last time we are able to do this. The door of opportunity will come and I hope we find the champion in our hearts to champion those who really need it the most," said OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao.