There will always be a safe space for women to move and to become fit.
"One-Armed Mamba" Kat Tan showed just that as she participated in WNBA and AXA Philippines' Her Court event on March 16, held at the NBA Community Court presented by TITAN in Mandaluyong.
"It's really an overwhelming feeling," Tan told reporters. "It's really a humbling experience for us players to have these special events."
The para-athlete joined over 50 women in the event, which featured a series of fitness-related activities, including basketball skills training, nutrition talk, core and conditioning, corrective exercises and yin yoga.
Even after losing an arm, Tan never lost the will to play basketball. And she wants to share that inspiration with the younger generation.
"I've been playing for almost 20 years. Just keep your dream alive every day, keep working on your craft, keep working on your game," Tan shared. "If you really love the game, you're gonna do whatever it takes. That's what I did."
It was Kobe Bryant and his Mamba mentality which helped Tan during the recovery stage after her accident.
"I love playing basketball. I never lost my love for the game. Despite me playing with one arm, I know I can do whatever, as long as I put my heart into it," she shared.
And that's what the WNBA and AXA are pushing for with the Her Court event.
"Our research indicates that a third of women globally struggle to find time to exercise, which is why we launched our campaign--'Being a woman shouldn'tbe a risk'--to provide solutions for potential health risks women face so they can live theirlives to the fullest," said AXA Philippines Marketing Communications Director Laura Del Rosario.
"We offer a safe space for women so they can move, get nutrition tips, have drills and exercises to condition your body, not just physically, but mentally."
[ALSO READ: WNBA and AXA Philippines empower women through Her Court event]
@onesportsphl Hoops 🏀 Health 🍲 Her 💁??? Women's Month and every month can be a time to be fit and healthy, and any place can be your court! Check out the scenes from the WNBA and AXA Her Court event at the NBA Community Court, Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong! #WNBA #AXAPhilippines #HerCourt
? original sound - OneSportsPHL
The drills certainly helped former athletes-turned-office workers such as Kat Sangalang.
"It was enlivening. I really felt my energy go up, so I'm thankful for this event," said Sangalang of AXA University.
Younger participants were also present to learn not just basketball drills, but also proper nutrition as well as conditioning.
"Actually, my coach encouraged us to join with my friends," shared 16-year-old point guard Betty Carpio-Pinkihan of St. Louis University. "I wanted to have this experience. This is a big thing for us."
Fellow schoolmate Julianne Sison, a center in senior high school, echoed the sentiment.
"I've learned it's important to take care of our body. Kasi as athletes, we train everyday, we practice. Kailangan ng lakas ng energy," Sison said.
"Natutunan ko yung sa fuel. You have to drink and keep trying para makapag-play ng maayos," added another schoolmate, Jenna Mariano.
The key in getting to move is finding the inspiration to do so, at least for Tan.
"Always think that whatever they do, it would benefit them in life," she said. "Just find the one thing that will inspire you and that would make you want to move. The first step has always been the hardest one. Once you make it, once you get to do it and keep that foot forward, it would never stop," Tan added.
"Just keep on moving forward and keep moving."
