Nike Philippines launched the first ever Nike only retail store dedicated to the athletic needs of Filipino children last Saturday, September 12, 2015. The event was held at the activity center of the newly opened Ayala Park Triangle building at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig where the Nike Prodigy Young Athletes flagship store is located. Nike Prodigy Young Athletes retail store is not only a first in the country, but also a first in the whole of South East Asia.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was lead by PBA Players Mike Cortez and Larry Fonacier with their sons Mikey and Liam, Nike Country Manager Loulette Quinio with her grandson Viggo Herce and PBA Player and Gilas Pilipinas star Gabe Norwood’s sons Orion and Cash.
Gone are the days when parents would have to outsource athletic wear for their kids from other countries and kids settling for athletic apparel and footwear that is either too small or too big for them. As Nike Philippines Marketing and Product Specialist Andro Torres said “Exposing kids at a very young age to sports is critical for a child’s development. Not only do they develop their motor and physical skills, but they also get the values that come with sports. With that said, Nike Prodigy Young Athletes will be a big help to parents and children in the Philippines since we all know the importance of getting the right athletic products is very vital in optimizing sports performance; especially in the developmental stages for kids.“
A great number of kids ages 13 and below arrived with their parents to be part of the grand launch of the Nike Prodigy Young Athletes flagship store. The festivities were kicked off by PBA Anchor Aaron Atayde along with Patricia Hizon, also a mom of two active boys highly involved in sports.
These kids were treated to a fun and activity filled afternoon. Participants were supplied with a special edition I Am the Future t-shirt care of Prodigy Young Athletes Store. These shirts were customized to be able to put the name of the participating child. While wearing their limited edition tees, all kids were able to participate in a series of sports challenges to test their basketball, football and running abilities. Aside from their parents cheering them on, special guest coaches were there to help guide the kids and hone their skills. UAAP Analyst and Ateneo Blue Eaglets Coach Marco Benitez lead the basketball skills challenge, for football, Simon McMenemy, Manager of the UFL team Loyola Meralco Sparks and for the running and fitness, triathlete and running enthusiast Hector Yuzon and Nike Training Club Trainer Katz Salao.
Aside from providing superior product innovation for sports, Nike also provides inspiration for the youth with athletes such as Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and others. Larry Fonacier echoed this saying, “My son Liam really looks up to the NBA players and tries to emulate their moves and swagger on the court.”
Aside from the flagship store located at Ayala Park Triangle, BGC, Taguig; Nike Prodigy Young Athletes has two more retail stores located at Ayala Fairview Terraces, Fairview, Q.C. and Ayala Solenad 3, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
