Max's Group goes #AllInForGold in Tokyo 2020

From L-R: Jim T. Fuentebella, Cristina Trota-Garcia, Carolyn Trota-Salud, and Dave T. Fuentebella (Max's Group Directors), Max's Group President and CEO Robert F. Trota, Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky P. Vargas, POC Spokesperson and Communications Director Ed Picson, and POC Secreatry-General Patrick Gregorio

For a Filipino athlete, it is important to have some semblance of a support system around themselves, in order for them to focus on one's goals.

One of the loftiest goals for such an athlete would be to finally end the drought of an Olympic gold medal. And one private entity has made it its goal to help achieve that milestone.

Last week, Max's Group Inc. made official its involvement with the Olympic quest, forming a partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The casual dining powerhouse, which has the likes of Max's Chicken, Yellow Cab, Pancake House, Krispy Kreme, and Jamba Juice under its banner, is investing an initial PhP 10.5 million to help Filipino athletes with their Olympic preparations.

Included on that incentive is a PhP 3 million cash reward for the much-sought-after Olympic gold. The initial investment also includes POC funding, as well as catering for POC events.

This partnership makes the Max's Group the first major local brand to pledge support for Tokyo 2020. By doing so, MGI hopes that they can inspire others to help our Filipino athletes get the resources they need in order to excel in the world's biggest sporting event.

MGI President and CEO Robert F. Trota shares, "We understand the work and support needed by our Filipino athletes to truly succeed in the global arena, and we want our athletes to thrive in this highly competitive environment. We’ve structured our pledge so that we address what we call the three Fs: Flagbearers, Families, and Fans. The Flagbearers, our athletes, will receive funds for their training and a cash prize of PHP3 million for gold medal wins. We will also make sure to nourish not just our Flagbearers, but also their Families, so they don’t have to worry about their welfare while they train for and compete in the Olympics. Lastly, we’re giving the Fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch and cheer for our Philippine team live in Tokyo 2020, because we believe that Filipinos are the greatest fans in the world."

POC President Ricky Vargas adds that the partnership allows Filipino excellence in food to trickle down into sports, adding "Filipino athletes have the drive and determination to rise above the competition. With our partnership with MGI for Tokyo 2020, we will be able to ground a new wave of Filipino pride for the world to see."

Aside from the contributions towards the athletes and their families and the POC, MGI is also establishing a special campaign through its different restaurant brands, dubbed as "All In For Gold."

Each of the brands will have their own specific product innovations, food bundles, and marketing campaigns that would help in raising additional funds for our Olympic athletes.

MGI is also looking to send three pairs of customers to Tokyo to partake of the Olympic festivities next year.

Trota believes that their partnership with the POC for Tokyo 2020 is step in unifying all Filipinos to showcase and champion the best Filipino talent, "Just as we at Max’s Group are championing Filipino cuisine here and abroad, so too are our athletes bannering the Philippine flag on the world stage. We hope that our partnership with POC will inspire a greater outpouring of support for our athletes, their families, and for Philippine sports, as well as instill being proudly Filipino."

MGI is no stranger to supporting sports, with Max's serving as one of the sponsors of Gilas Pilipinas back in 2014, and Yellow Cab being having served as sponsors for numerous football events in the country.