Gatorade fuels the Philippine Homeless World Cup Team

Since 2008, Gatorade has provided the Philippine Homeless World Cup Team with the hydration that has fuelled them to great success. On July 2011, Gatorade will provide the team’s much-needed equipment like official football jerseys, sports jackets, towels, jugs, and of course, Gatorade. “We are proud to be a major sponsor for the Philippine Homeless World Cup Team to Paris," said Angel Motomal, Senior Product Manager for Gatorade. “Our brave footballers are not only carrying the torch for flag and country but also calling out awareness to social issues such as homelessness and poverty. At Gatorade, we believe in helping athletes go beyond their limitations and to perform at the highest levels. With our support, we know the Philippine Homeless World Cup Team will bring glory to our country and receive the support of their particular advocacy which is something that touches many lives."

In my opinion, the Philippine Homeless World Cup Team is on another level, separate from other athletes," added Michael Arcilla, Group M Account Director for Gatorade. “They play for a cause through a sport that in the words of HWC Coach Rudy del Rosario, ‘changes lives.’ It’s about making a difference. These are values which Gatorade proudly stands for." Team Philippines represented their country with honor and pride at Melbourne, Australia, in 2008 Milan, Italy, in 2009, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2010. Gatorade’s partnership with Team Philippines will inspire Filipinos to compete for the chance to succeed on a global stage, while simultaneously moving the world to a greater awareness and responsiveness to the issues of homelessness. After an intensive countrywide search, we finally have a new team to represent the country this August for the 2011 Paris Homeless World Cup. The announcement was made by Rudy del Rosario, head coach and project director of Team Philippines after the final try-outs last Saturday, April 30, held at the JCCV courts in Valley Golf, Cainta and attended by the players’ supporters, media, football enthusiasts, and former Homeless World Cup – Team Philippines players from the Milan and Rio games. The eight players chosen to represent the Philippines are: Jeffrey Guelas (22) – Leveriza, Manila Jeffrey de Castro (22) – Cainta, Rizal Bert Anthony Sienes (18) – Manila Boystown Janrick Soriano (21) – Talisay City, Negros Occidental Michael Rojo (26) – Talisay City, Negros Occidental Aljhonn Loui Matulac (18) – Estancia, Iloilo John Celiz (19) – Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo Ricardo Padilla (23) – Lingayen, Pangasinan For further information about Gatorade’s sponsorship of the Philippine Homeless World Cup Team, contact Rick Olivares at 0916-616-6400 or rickolivares@gmail.com.