The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in partnership with One World Futbol Project, and supported by Chevrolet, recently launched its donation of indestructible footballs to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).
In a brief press conference on March 21, 2014 at the PFF House of Football in Pasig City, AFC Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Dr. Annathurai Ranganathan spearheaded the symbolic turnover of the balls to Gawad Kalinga through the PFF, represented by Atty. Edwin Gastanes, PFF’s General Secretary.
Also reprepresented in the launch was Chevrolet Philippines.
“AFC is not just about football, rather it is also about helping communities, especially the youth in Asia,” said Dr. Ranganathan. “This is our way of giving back, of reaching out to the people who support football. We don’t just teach football, but also use football as a tool for social development,” he added.
Atty. Edwin Gastanes expressed PFF’s gratitude for the donation. “This is a generous gesture of AFC, One World Futbol and Chevrolet. We are thankful for being the first country to receive these indestructible balls. This only shows how the AFC supports our efforts in developing football from the grassroots, as it has also awarded the PFF with the Grassroots Recognition Award,” said Atty.Gastnanes. “There are 14 million children ages 6-12 out there. If we canreach atleast 10% of that population, we will already be happy,” he added.
A total of 5,500 balls will be given to the Philippines, benefiting some 55,350 players through 83 football associations and non-government organizations that use football as a tool for development. Dr. Ranganathan also personally handed the balls over to several beneficiaries during his 3-day visit in Manila. These included the Futkaleros in Don Bosco Tondo, Leveriza, Gawad Kalinga, Sta. Cruz Laguna, Payatas, Tuloy Sa Don Bosco, SOS Village and Nayon ng Kabataan.
Dr. Ranganathan also highlighted the significance of the Philippines as a developing football nation. As one of the founding members of the AFC where the organization was based in its early years, the AFC’s 50th Anniversary will be held in Manila this year.
