Milo marathon source of hope for poor kids

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Milo Marathon, through its “Help Give Shoes” advocacy program, is providing the youth more than just a venue to hone their running skills.

For three years now, the country’s longest-running footrace has been giving away thousands of pairs of shoes to less-privileged kids from all around the country.

And before the 36th Milo Marathon national finals takes place on Dec. 9 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, Milo would have given away over 24,000 pairs of shoes.

But it’s really more than the shoes, according Milo sports executive Robbie De Vera.

“These shoes are just a symbol. These shoes represent their dreams, and we at Milo and Nestle want to activate their dreams. We help them achieve their dreams,” he said.

De Vera said the shoes, imported from China and distributed to schoolchildren from each of the provinces hosting a Milo Marathon elimination run, represent the future.

“Based on studies, most of the children who receive them became more confident with themselves. They have become more active, and are going to school more often,” he said.

The youthful Milo sports executive further explained that to some of these kids, it’s their first pair of shoes, and that the day they receive them are marked in their calendars.

“Before, some of them are reluctant to show up in school because they are shoeless. Nahihiya sila. That’s why these shoes mean a lot to them,” said De Vera.

Even during the turnover, some parents of the chosen kids show up because to them it’s a “very momentous occasion that has an impact in their lives.”

For tomorrow’s elimination leg here, 500 kids from five schools (Evico Nograles Elementary School, Sta. Ana National High, San Roque Elementary School, Matina Central Elementary School and Cabantian National High School) will receive the shoes.

“It’s really a commitment. It’s an advocacy on the part of Milo and Nestle. And it won’t stop,” said Pat Goc-Ong, a consultant for Milo sports.

He said in the past stagings of the Milo Marathon, they’ve noticed too many young barefoot runners, and they want to put an end to this practice.

“That’s why we travel around the country just to do this. This year alone, the Milo Marathon held a total of 20 elimination legs, and in each one of them hundreds of shoes were given away,” said De Vera.

“And we’re very happy with the results,” he said.