How can you play well if you lack sports shoes that will protect you while you’re in a game?
For student-athletes of Malitbog Elementary School in the town of Calinog, Iloilo, shoes are not necessary as they took home the championship title in the Division of the Iloilo Sports Council Meet 2023 despite being shoeless the entire tournament.
The Malitbog volleybelles touched the hearts of the people who saw their photos posted by Gametime Sports. After being trending on social media, the team got generous support from various groups, including the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Pledges and donations from some private individuals and PVL personalities poured in for the hardworking girls of Malitbog.
In fact, Julia Morado-de Guzman from the newly-crowned 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference champions Creamline Cool Smashers donated 12 pairs of shoes for the team.
PLDT High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort, Cool Smashers team coordinator Taj Chupungco, Petro Gazz Angels assistant coach Mona Bagatsing, the Philippine Army Lady Troopers, and several Ilonggo private individuals also gave their help to the Ilongga athletes.
Based on the recent data, the donations have reached a total of P43,300. The team eyes to reach their P48,000 target.
According to trainer JM Perenia in an interview with Gametime Sports, they played barefoot as many of their players are poor and cannot afford to buy original playing volleyball shoes.
“They wear fake shoes that break easily and even slip in the middle of the court. So the players decided to play barefoot or without shoes and we are happy that we won the championship,” Perenia said.
After the outpouring support from various groups and individuals, Malitbog volleybelles are ready to gear up for the next competition as they represent Iloilo in the Inter-Division Meet next month.IMT Sports
