Filipino-American teen trainer Ryan Ang is keeping kids safe against COVID-19 by encouraging them to stay home and instead get basketball training online – and this very welcome news for basketball-crazy Filipinos as Luzon Island has been declared under quarantine.
The 16-year-old Ang went on live streaming over social media on Sunday, March 15, 2020, to provide free Ang1 Trainings on ball handling to his students and anyone interested in basketball.
The youngest basketball trainer in Bergen Country, New Jersey, calls his initiative “Offense/Defense Against COVID-19”, a positive response to the coronavirus threat.
“Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, athletes have not been able to participate in any basketball activities including personal and group training in fear of catching the Coronavirus. Moreover, I am unable to conduct training sessions as it might jeopardize the health and safety of both myself and the athletes.
“Despite all the negative effects of COVID-19, there is some positivity beyond the virus. I have developed a way athletes can train with me without jeopardizing my safety and their safety,” said Ang.
The first free online training session had students tuned in to his live stream on their mobile device on either Facebook Live or Instagram Live at the comforts of their own home or specific location.
Parents of young athletes posted videos and pictures of their boys and girls following Ryan Ang’s instructions on live video while they handled their basketball at home.
A hospital employee with kids even thanked Ryan for his help.
Ryan Ang told Good News Pilipinas how he wanted his online training program to keep kids from being bored at home.
“To keep them occupied, productive and most importantly safe. This is the best idea. I have lots of clients who want training but I don’t feel safe and also for them. This is the best way. I will continue if possible every day until school resumes,” shares Ang.
Asked about how he measures the success of his online training program, Ang says, “If I can keep even 1 kid safe. It’s a success.”
Ryan encourages parents and children to spread the word about his free online training. “With your help, we can make a difference and minimize the spread of the coronavirus by enabling athletes to train at home or in a safe location. Together we stand and protect the basketball community!”
Ryan Ang’s online training on Facebook and Instagram would also be available on his YouTube channel, AsianBaller.
The next Ryan Ang free online basketball training session is scheduled on Wednesday, March 18 (U.S. Time) from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
READ MORE ABOUT RYAN ANG and his journey as a young basketball trainer in the United States here.
Another young Filipino making his mark now in the U.S. is Kai Sotto who won the MVP Award at the Atlanta basketball tournament in January.
Filipino-Americans who have made their mark in basketball as players include NBA’s Jordan Clarkson of Cleveland Cavaliers who played for Gilas Pilipinas and NCAA’s Kihei Clark of the Virginia Cavaliers.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to Ryan Ang for his initiative to keep kids safe from COVID-19 while staying fit with basketball training!
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