GRETCHEN Ho received a fitting birthday gift as the MVP Sports Foundation yesterday tapped the former Ateneo volleyball star as its ambassador.
“We welcome Gretchen to the MVPSF family. She has been a leading voice in Philippine sports and living proof that sport can be a vehicle for positive change in society so it made perfect sense to have her come on as our ambassador. There are many stories of triumph and success that are just waiting to be told, and we believe Gretchen is the best person to tell these to the Filipino people,” said MVPSF president Al Panlilio in a statement.
As ambassador, Ho will help MVPSF to drum up support and excitement among Filipinos for Tokyo Olympics-bound Team Pilipinas athletes, namely weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Caloy Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Irish Magno and Carlo Paalam.
“We believe that Gretchen will be a great addition to our team. She has both a talent for storytelling and a passion to uplift our national athletes,” said MVPSF executive director Jude Turcuato.
Ho, who just turned 31, was part of the Lady Eagles’ Fab Five that turned the Katipunan-based school’s volleyball program around.
After five stellar years in Ateneo, Ho continued her volleyball career in the commercial leagues until 2015 and was one of the Beach Volleyball Republic founders.
Ho has since transitioned to being a television personality.
With this new responsibility, Ho can’t wait to tell the stories of the athletes and bring them closer to the fans.
“I’m very excited and honored to work with the MVP Sports Foundation. They have been doing great work all these years providing vital support for our athletes, and I feel so much in line with their mission of uplifting Philippine sports — from the national level down to the grassroots,” said Ho, who also selected to be part of the torch relay for the delayed multisport event.
“As an athlete myself, I understand the value of telling stories and getting those to reach a wide audience. Not only will it help shed light on the lives of our Filipino athletes, but it will allow us to take a closer look at what we can still improve on,” she added.
“I’m proud to be working alongside people who are as committed and passionate for Philippine sports.“
