Hoops for All Basketball Clinic

The Autism Society Philippines, Meralco Bolts, Meralco Foundation, and the Meralco Employees Savings and Loan Association have partnered to commemorate the National Autism Consciousness Week with an autism-inclusive basketball clinic. “Hoops for All” promises to be an unforgettable event that promotes physical activity, social interaction, and self-expression for Filipinos on the autism spectrum aged 12 and up.

ASP AUthletics Basketball Clinic poster

The ASP AUthletics initiative inspires wellness through movement; and competitive athlete development for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program promotes well-being, friendship, and achievement.

Who can join
- Aged 12 years old or older with a formal autism diagnosis. Can follow instructions.
- Interested ASP members may sign up for this event (priority is given to regular members) via https://form.jotform.com/232491539432458. The registration deadline is 22 January 2025, noon.
- One (1) child/youth on the spectrum and one companion per family.
- The ASP Secretariat will advise the participant of the confirmed slot via text/call. As we only have 25 slots available, we would like to share the opportunity across as many chapters as possible.
- For cancellations, please communicate at least 48 hours ahead, as a courtesy and to give others the chance.
- Required to join Zoom orientation. Orientation for athletes and/or companions: 24 January 2025, Friday, 7pm

What to prepare/reminders:
- Athlete/companion cannot participate if one does not attend the orientation or is late to the orientation
- Wear an Angels Walk shirt, jogging pants (not shorts), and rubber shoes
- Bring water, towel, extra clothes

Health Protocols
- Do not come with fever, cough, cold, or diarrhea.

How to get there
- Participants shall be responsible for their transportation.
- Participants are expected to be at the Meralco Gym, Meralco Compound, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig atleast 12:30PM.
- When you get to the venue, look for the ASP banner.
- There will be a Zoom orientation for participants a few days prior to the event. Please wait for the announcement once you have been selected as participants.

Program:
1pm     Registration
2pm     Opening Prayer
            Opening Remarks
            Workshop Proper
3pm     Awarding of Certificates
            Community Photos
4pm     Closing Remarks
            Light snacks

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Posted in: 4pwas,authletics,nacw

AUthletics at Music Hall, SM MOA

The Autism Society Philippines launched ASP AUthletics in 2020 to promote wellness through movement and develop competitive athletes among individuals on the autism spectrum across the nation. Its purpose is to encourage well-being, friendship, and achievement while also promoting genuine acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation in an Autism-friendly environment in the Philippines.

ASP AUthletics at Music Hall Poster

The AUthletics games will take place again on April 16, 2023, at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, immediately following the Angels Walk for Autism. Participants will have the opportunity to compete against each other while having fun and building friendships. It is a great opportunity for individuals on the autism spectrum to showcase their skills and talents while enjoying the thrill of competition.

The ASP has partnered with SM Cares and the Mall of Asia to promote autism-friendly spaces among responsible business organizations. To encourage volunteerism, the student organization of UP SUPER (UP Supporting PWDs through Exercise and Recreation) will serve as game marshals. To further promote inclusion, the 38 candidates of 2023 Miss Universe-Philippines will also be around to cheer the players.

Slots for the event are limited, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested participants can register by clicking on the following link: https://bit.ly/AUthleticsMusicHall. The registration deadline is April 4, 2023.

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Posted in: 4pwas,authletics

The ASP AUthletics is back!

The Autism Society Philippines, the nation’s strongest and widest-reaching autism advocacy group is inspiring acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism (PWAs), through programs and projects relevant to our growing community of 13,000 members and 100 chapters nationwide – before, during and after the pandemic.

Authletics at Decathlon poster

In 2020, the Autism Society Philippines took another uncharted step in launching the ASP AUthletics. The program was formally introduced during the Angels Walk for Autism last January 2020. This is a nationwide initiative on 1) wellness through movement; and 2) competitive athlete development for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program promotes well-being, friendship, and achievement; as well as inspires genuine acceptance, accommodation and appreciation in an Autism-OK Philippines.

After being sidelined during the pandemic, ASP will be holding the ASP Authletics again regularly, starting on October 29. To promote autism-friendly spaces among responsible business organizations, we have tapped the Decathlon Tiendesitas as our partner. To inspire volunteerism, we will be having as game marshals members of the student organization of UP SUPER (UP Supporting PWDs through Exercise and Recreation).

What: ASP AUthletics Tournament
When: 29 October 2022, Saturday at 8:30am
Where: Decathlon, L2 Tiendesitas, Ortigas Ave, cor Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Ave, Pasig

EVENT ONE

Takkyu Volley (Team), a sport invented in Japan, is played on a ping pong table where seated athletes play the game by rolling the ball, with wood blocks, under a regulation net. The game is scored like volley ball. Get familiar with this fun but simple game here: http://bit.ly/395qIzZ. The ASP Committee will be the one to assign players to teams. (Caregivers may stand behind the athlete during the game, if needed; but caregiver cannot hold the paddle.)

Elimination system will be announced during the pre-tournament orientation, after teams are formed, based on registration. Each member of the winning team will get medals. All participants will get a certificate.

EVENT TWO

Obstacle Course Race (Individual) involves an athlete navigating through a series of challenging physical obstacles, while being timed. It will include running, jumping, hopping and balancing, testing one's speed, endurance and agility.

Please watch here for a demo of the obstacle course and Takkyu Volley.

Categories
Depending on profile of the registered athletes, categories will be based on age and/or assisted/independent.

Medals will go to the individuals with the three best times in each category. All participants will get a certificate.

Who can join
• Interested ASP members may join one or both of the 2 events by signing up for the tournament via the online form below. The submission deadline is October 22 noon.
• As there are only limited slots, regular members will be prioritized • One (1) athlete on the spectrum and one companion per family.
• The ASP Secretariat will confirm the booking via text/call. As we only have slots for 30 pairs, we would like to share the opportunity across as many chapters as possible.
• For cancellations, please communicate at least 48 hours ahead, as a courtesy and to fill up the vacated slots.

What to prepare
• For both player and companion, wear an ASP Angels Walk Shirt or green shirt and a medical-grade face mask.
• Expect to be exposed to the sun with no air conditioning at the event area.
• Bring at least an extra shirt, face towel, cap, or umbrella and your own drinking water.

Health Protocols
• Bring your vaccination cards (we follow Decathlon protocols).
• Do not come with fever, cough, cold, or diarrhea.
• Observe proper social distancing.

How to get there
• Participants must be responsible for their transportation.
• Participants are expected to be at the basketball court of Decathlon Tiendesitas at 8:30am for registration.

What to expect
• When you get to the venue, look for the ASP banner or Cenin Faderogao, who is co-managing the event.
• Chapter leaders or families are expected to manage their group/members, especially during the waiting time.
• No assurance that latecomers can be accommodated.
• An online pre-tournament orientation will be held for all participants to clarify event mechanics and other details.

0830H Registration/waiver and release of name tags (TBD)
Warm-Up Dance
0900H ASP Authletics
1100H Awarding
1130H End of Authletics Event

After the event, everyone is welcome to roam around Decathlon Store and play with their displayed sports items.

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Posted in: 4pwas,authletics

Join the ASP AUthletics Bowling Tournament

[Postponed Indefinitely]

Authletics Bowling Tournament Digital Poster

The Autism Society Philippines invites bowlers on the autism spectrum to join us for a morning of fun and fitness! The ASP AUthletics Bowling Tournament is pre-qualifier to the ASEAN Autism Games to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in October 2020.

What: ASP AUthletics Bowling Tournament.
When: 31 May 2020, Sunday, 10am - 12nn.
Where: SM Megamall Bowling Center, Pasig City

Participant Criteria
-A player must be at least eight (8) years old
-A player must be able to carry at least a 7-pound ball
-Able to play 10 bowling frames
-Must sign up using form below. Limited slots. Deadline for registration is 25 March 2020, noon.
-Must be wearing the ASP Angels Walk 2020 shirt on game day
-Must pay P100 participation fee on-site to partially cover cost bib, certificate, shoes, lane fees and simple snacks

Team Criteria
-Open to ASP chapters
-Each team can send max 6 players
-Four (4) highest scores from each city (regardless of category) will determine Team Category winners

Categories. Gold, silver and bronze medals are at stake for:
(1) Group A - 8 to 14 years old (Assisted/Unassisted)
(2) Group B - 14 years old and above (Assisted)
(3) Group C - 14 years old and above (Unassisted)
(4) Team - combined score of four (4) participants per city

A special award will go to Best Parent Cheerleader Group.

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Posted in: authletics,bowling,sports

Los Baños, Pasay and QC top ASP Authletics Tournament Medal Tallies

Youth on the autism spectrum and parents during the tournament

The ASP Authletics Tournament held on January 26, 2020 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, featured an inter-city Takkyu Volley competition and an individual obstacle course race, held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The tournament was a collaboration between the Autism Society Philippines, SM Cares and SM Mall of Asia. A total of 70 athletes on the autism spectrum of all ages, shared in the collective sense of well-being, friendship, and achievement.

The ASP AUthletics Medal Tally puts Los Baños City (Laguna) in first place, Pasay City (NCR) in second; and Quezon City (NCR) in third. With more tournaments in the pipeline, cities and chapters have more opportunities to get in the game!

ASP AUthletics is a program that promotes health through movement and competitive athlete development. ASP AUthletics is a proprietary brand asset of the Autism Society Philippines. ASP Authletics tournaments and bootcamps can only be held with the express permission of ASP National HQ and is reserved for accredited ASP chapters.

=====

OFFICIAL RESULTS*
ASP Authletics Tournament
SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, Pasay City
26 January 2020

Obstacle Course Race
Group A - 7 years old and below
1st - Johann Terrence Dablo (Los Baños)
2nd - Kyle Zhiannen Atienza (Los Baños)

Obstacle Course Race
Group B - 8 to 13 years old
1st - Jovani Zabala (Mandaluyong)
2nd - Reese Dino (Mandaluyong)
3rd - MJ Raña (Los Baños)

Obstacle Course Race
Group C- 14 years old and above, Assisted
1st - Jhezzed Nicolas (San Mateo)
2nd - Ralph Tolenada (Pasay)
3rd - Marie Anjulie F. Reyes (Marikina)

Obstacle Course Race
Group D - 14 years old and above, Unassisted
1st - Ian Ferdinand L. Lopez (Los Baños)
2nd - Van Aguilar (Quezon City)
3rd - Michael Espiritu (Pasay)

Takkyu Volley
Gold Medal - Team Pasay
1. Danmar Dayao
2. Harvey Medel
3. Keon Danille Olanday
4. Angelika Mae Olsen
5. Ronald Rabena
6. Julius Alexis Sison

Takkyu Volley
Silver Medal - Team Quezon City
1. Jason Cando
2. Bryan Limjoco
3. Denzel Narciso
4. Dreau Narciso
5. Marlon Jake Reyes
6. Jose Rey Angelo So

Takkyu Volley
Bronze Medal - Team Los Baños
1. Michael Cansanay
2. Genesis Elizon
3. Terah Gabriel Francisco
4. Adrian Guanieso
5. Rhav Lomboy
6. Victor Michael Ramos

*You may view the official results for all participants at AUthletics Leaderboard. Some medals were erroneously distributed to non-winners. For comments, please email autismphils@gmail.com

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Posted in: authletics,nacw,sm,sports

The ASP AUthletics kicks off with an inter-city tournament

The Autism Society Philippines, the nation’s strongest and widest-reaching autism advocacy group is inspiring acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism (PWAs), through programs and projects relevant to the our growing community of 13,000 members and 98 chapters nationwide.

Since it began in 1989, our community has taken bold steps, despite being fueled by humble resources. In 2016, we launched the ASP Autism Works economic empowerment initiative which has benefited more than 200 persons on the spectrum through employment, training and entrepreneurship opportunities -- AutisMALL, Project GourmA and Project ChocolatA. In 2018, we birthed the ASP HOMEpowerment program which provided therapy for pre-schoolers on the spectrum and parent training which help dedicated but financially vulnerable families.

In 2020, the Autism Society Philippines takes another uncharted step in launching the ASP AUthletics. The program will be formally introduced at the Angels Walk for Autism 2020 on January 26. This is envisioned as a nationwide initiative on 1) wellness through movement; and 2) competitive athlete development for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program will promote well-being, friendship, and achievement; as well as will inspire genuine acceptance, accommodation and appreciation in an Autism-OK Philippines.

Philippine delegation to the ASEAN Autism Games in 2018

The Autism Society Philippines is preparing for our country's participation at the ASEAN Autism Games in October 2020 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

What: ASP AUthletics Tournament
When: 26 January 2020, Sunday at 1:00pm (following the Angels Walk for Autism)
Where: SM MOA Music Hall, Pasay City

EVENT ONE

Takkyu Volley (Team), a sport invented in Japan, is played on a ping pong table where a maximum of 12 seated athletes play the game by rolling the ball, with wood blocks, under a regulation net. The game is scored like volley ball. Get familiar with this fun but simple game here: http://bit.ly/395qIzZ.

We invite duly-accredited ASP Chapters to sign up for the competition, by filling out the on-line registration forms BEFORE 15 January 2020, noon. They must:
- Field five (5) players to represent their city or municipality;
- Commit players who are in good health;
- Travel independently or as a group to the tournament venue;
- Ensure athletes are comfortably dressed and properly nourished/hydrated; and
- Ensure athletes are accompanied by caregivers familiar with their needs/preferences. (Caregivers may stand behind the athlete during the game, if needed; but caregiver cannot hold the paddle.)

The team is required to wear suitable active footwear, the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2020 shirt, and a unique signature accessory (caps, eyewear, capes -- get creative!) that will distinguish each team. Cost of the team uniform will be born by the athletes or a team sponsor.

The winner will be determined in a single elimination knockout system. Medals will go to the top four teams -- one gold, one silver and two bronze. All participants will get a certificate.

EVENT TWO

Obstacle Course Race (Individual) involves an athlete navigating through a series of challenging physical obstacles, while being timed. It will include running, jumping, hopping and balancing, testing one's speed, endurance and agility.

We invite ASP member families to sign up for the competition, by filling out the on-line registration forms BEFORE 22 January 2020, noon. Parents are responsible for ensuring athletes are in good health.

Categories
Group A - Below 8 years old (Assisted/Unassisted)
Group B - 8 to 14 years old (Assisted/Unassisted)
Group C - 14 years old and above (Assisted)
Group D - 14 years old and above (Unassisted)

All athletes are required to wear suitable active footwear and the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2020 shirt. Medals will go to the individuals with the three best times in each category. All participants will get a certificate.

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Posted in: authletics

ASP Takkyu Volley Boot Camp is on!

The Autism Society Philippines, the nation’s strongest and widest-reaching autism advocacy group is inspiring acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism (PWAs), through programs and projects relevant to the our growing community of 13,000 members and 98 chapters nationwide.

We are holding the first ever ASP Takkyu Volley Boot Camp on 7 December 2019, Saturday, at 10am to 12nn at The Decathlon, L2 Tiendesitas, Frontera Drive, Pasig City. Takkyu Volley, a sport invented in Japan, is played on a ping pong table where a maximum of 12 players play the game by rolling the ball, with wood blocks, under a regulation net.

Digital poster for the Takkyu Volley Bootcamp

The boot camp will prepare our athletes for the ASP AUthletics Games: Takkyu Volley on 26 January 2020, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall -- immediately following the ASP Angels Walk for Autism.

The ASP AUthletics program will be a nationwide program on wellness through movement and on competitive athlete development for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program will promote well-being, friendship, and achievement; as well as will inspire genuine acceptance, accommodation and appreciation in an Autism-OK Philippines.

We invite duly-accredited ASP Chapters to be among the pioneer teams that will help propel this program forward. We need your commitment to:

- Field a team to represent the city and commit players who are in good health;
- Travel independently or as a group to the boot camp or tournament venue;
- Ensure athletes are comfortably dressed and properly nourished/hydrated; and
- Ensure athletes are accompanied by caregivers familiar with their needs/preferences.

Interested chapters can submit details on at least six (6) representatives on the autism spectrum who can follow verbal instructions via autismphils@gmail.com on our before 29 November 2019, Friday, noon.

- Name of athlete on the spectrum
- Date of birth (must be at least 8 years old)
- Name of Parent/Guardian (not needed, if athlete is independent and above 18 years old)
- Mobile number of Athlete or Guardian

Letters requesting for logistical supports, addressed to city mayors are available upon request.

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Posted in: authletics

PBA, SM Cares hold 1st basketball clinic for special kids

This article appeared on 9 April 2014, Wednesday in The Philippine Star.

The first-ever basketball clinic for special children was held over the weekend conducted by coaches of the Philippine Basketball Association All-Star at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Some 20 children with Down Syndrome and Autism were treated to an afternoon of basketball game and relays to introduce them to the sports as one of the activities in the 2014 PBA All-Star Week festivities at the MOA.

PBA Basketball with balls

Co-sponsored by the PBA and MOA Arena and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the children were taught dribbling, passing the ball, ball handling and shooting by PBA All Star coach Tim Cone, SanMig assistant coaches Richard Del Rosario and Jeffrey Cariaso and San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson.

Arnold Alegre, who took some of the kids to the basketball clinic, said they are delighted that the PBA coaches took time out from their busy schedules to be with the special children to conduct the first of its kind in the country.

He said playing sports is one of the best therapies that should be given to children with Down Syndrome and Autism because it teaches them focus, improves their physical development and gives them the chance to bond with other kids.

"Sports boosts confidence and they get to interact with other 'children. That opens up a whole lot of experience for them which improves their well-being," Alegre, a special education teacher said who has made helping special children a lifelong commitment.

One example he said is one of his stu­dents, Paul Garcia, a child with autism and one of the participants in the sports. clinic. "He was not interested in sports before, he was fat. He did not want to do anything. So we started to have him into some physical activity. He had strength and that was why he got into weight-lifting. The first year he joined the Paralympics, he became the national champion," he said.

He said society should be more open to people with autism and Down Syndrome because they could be productive members of the society if given all the support.

"We have to see beyond the disability. We have to remove the dis from disability because they have the drive to attain the skill they can be interested in. It's very easy to teach them because they value routine and they are good at it. You teach them a certain drill or ritual once and they remember it for the rest of their lives. They stick to it. But this could only be achieved if we train them. We have to make them productive," he said.

Alegre said they are thankful to the SM group for its never-ending support. "It's not hard to talk to them especially for the causes we push. They always have a heart for PWDs. They always give their all-out support just like for this project," he said.

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Posted in: authletics,partners,self-advocates,sm,sports

Love overflows at the 8th Laguna Friendship Games

The 8th ASP-Laguna Friendship Games took place at the Nuvali Football Field in Sta. Rosa City took place on 8 February 2014. Selected trainees and apprentices from the Autism Resource Center joined in this annual one-day sporting event.

It started as early as 7:00 a.m. when the registration process took place as a total of eleven teams vied in more than ten sporting events. Laguna-based schools that tool part in the fun-filled day included Field of Little Hands School Inc., Child and Teens Success Intervention Center, Autism Resource Center, Liliw Intervention Center, Shepherd of Faith SPED Center, Hope Intervention Center, GS Option House, Paete Intervention Center for Autism and Related Disorders (PICARD), Calamba City SPED, Work of Heart Child Center, and Child Formation Center. These institutions are based in San Pablo, Calamba, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Los Baños and Paete.

This year’s event was hosted by the Work of Heart Child Center. The Oath of Sportsmanship was headed by Arlene Humarang, a mother; Emmanuel Zamora, a PWD; and Teacher Eric Cuenca of Hope Intervention Center. Allison Dave Albert Lareza led the national anthem and the lighting of torch was spearheaded by representatives of all participating schools. The doxology was led by a group of students from the Work of Heart Child Center.

A little boy plays 50-meter run

A total of 412 students participated in more than 10 sporting events, divided into categories based on age. Some of the events are the 25-meter walk relay with assistance, 25-meter walk relay without assistance, tug-of-war, 50-meter-run with assistance (boys and girls), 50-meter run without assistance (boys and girls), sand relay, tug-of-war, tire relay, coin bank relay, balloon popping, tied legs (garter) relay, puzzle relay, sack relay, straw relay, badminton, dance contest, poster making contest, Little Mr. and Miss Friendship for 12 years old and below and Mister and Miss Friendship Games for 12 years old and above.

This year’s theme is about the rights of persons with autism. Franco Cagayat, a sculptor from Paete, was one of the judges in the poster-making competition. The elections of ASP Laguna also took place during the event. The new sets of officers were introduced during the closing ceremony of the games.

GS Option House served as this year’s grand winner. Hope Intervention Center, Autism Resource Center, Child and Teens Success Intervention Center received the first-runner up, second runner-up, and third-runner up titles respectively for their dedicated team efforts in all the games and activities.

This article is the contribution of David Michael C. Lopez of the Autism Resource Center in Los Baños, Laguna.

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Posted in: authletics,chapters,community,laguna,leaders,sports