SM spreads its wings

SM is more than willing to lend a helping hand to various national sports associations (NSA) in its quest not just to promote a healthy lifestyle but to help national athletes train for competition.

SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said during the unveiling of the Active Hub on Sunday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Music Hall that they are willing to collaborate with other sports leaders.

A total of 21 SM malls across the country boasts pickleball courts and running clubs while other facilities are scattered nationwide.

“Sports is not really our expertise. That’s why we partner with the experts because they know how to do it. They have clout so it’s really important to collaborate,” Tan said.

“Strong collaboration is really needed because they also need the venue for it. So it’s a win-win for everyone.”

“We benefit from it, the coaches benefit from it, but most importantly, the Filipino people, they benefit from it.”

MOA alone has been a hotbed for sporting events in Metro Manila.

The MOA Arena has been a staple to basketball and volleyball leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association and the Premier Volleyball League.

The newly-opened MOA Football Pitch was even used by the Philippine national women’s football team for its nine-day training camp last February.

Tan said they are also looking to add more sports such as golf and tennis in the MOA Sky in the future.

“As a matter of fact, we are talking to someone when it comes to golf. MOA Sky will be a mini golf or a practice area for golf,” Tan said.

“In the future, we will also have two tennis courts and a running track that is around one kilometer.”