The Philippine Sports Commission encourages women and girls to move forward from the pandemic through movement and sports. On October 28 at 10:30 am, the PSC will mount its first episode of a weekly web series, Rise Up! Shape Up!
The PSC presents Rise Up! Shape Up! as a campaign to motivate women and girls to integrate simple movement and workouts into their day-to-day living, especially since everyone has been cooped up indoors due to the lockdown.
“We encourage our women and girls to rise above the situation while shaping up an active lifestyle adaptive to the so-called New Normal,” says PSC Chairman William Ramirez.
While lockdowns have eased and the public is now allowed to move around, seven months into the community quarantine, the world is still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reality is acknowledged by the PSC as it developed this campaign to help women and girls move forward through the global health crisis with a healthy mind and body through movement and sports.
Ramirez reiterated the PSC’s support to the nation’s battle with COVID-19 by encouraging women and girls to practice active living, saying that, “even the simplest physical activities such as walking can help people combat fear and the feelings of unproductivity and stagnancy that result from it. While the fear associated with the coronavirus has somehow immobilized people mentally, physically and socially,” he further reminds the public that there are simple and safe ways to get up and move around.
The PSC Women in Sports program, Rise Up! Shape Up! underscores the importance of having an active body and a sound mind in dealing with the changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic.
“We know that the virus is still out there and that there is still fear that the people will catch the virus. Aside from the usual reminders to wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash the hands as often as possible, the PSC supports the nation’s battle with COVID-19 by encouraging women and girls to practice active living,” Ramirez adds.
The Rise Up! Shape Up! campaign also recognizes the important role of women in sports in leading the movement towards a better active living in the New Normal.
According to PSC Commissioner Celia H. Kiram, who is also the oversight commissioner for the agency’s Women in Sports program, this campaign serves as a platform for women athletes and sports icons to connect with the audience—particularly the youth and women—and influence them to overcome the stifling fear caused by the pandemic and live in the New Normal with a healthy mind and body.
“I see women, especially those who balance work and the household, who are overwhelmed by this pandemic. They need to handle two or more responsibilities simultaneously while working from home. Aside from the anxiety and fear caused by the virus, they are also weighed down by work and household responsibilities,” Kiram explained. “Rise Up! Shape Up! will have our women athletes and sports icons share practical tips in helping manage responsibilities by promoting mindful movement and active living amidst the current situation.”
Kiram details that the launch episode will feature Mindful Lifestyle for Women, centering on restoring calm and balance in time of pandemic. It will be headlined by Asian Games gold medalist and equestrienne Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and renowned volleyball player and Philippine nationals team member Alyssa Valdez as they recount the pandemic’s impact on their active lifestyle and inspire women to keep fit.
In this debut episode, Dr. Marissa M. Guinto, Sport Psychologist, Associate Professor and Research Director of the College of Human Kinetics of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, will also talk about physical activity and mental wellness. It will be followed by a discussion on mindful movement by Eileen Tupaz, Co-Founder of White Space Mind and Body Wellness Studio, yoga and meditation teacher trainer (E-RYT500), Reiki Third Degree Teacher, and certified Eating Psychology Coach. PR
