Sports don’t just build athletes—they build discipline, confidence, and character. For more than 30 years, SM has been investing in spaces and programs that bring sports closer to Filipino families. Leading this vision is Mr. Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman, who first imagined world-class training opportunities in everyday mall life back in 1992.
From Mall Ice Rinks to World-Class Athletes
At the heart of this movement is the SM Skating Academy, where kids, teens, and even adults can discover their love for ice skating. Beginners start with the Learn to Skate program, while advanced learners can progress to Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, or Speed Skating.
This commitment has already helped produce Filipino athletes who shine internationally:
- Michael Martinez, the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to qualify for the Winter Olympics, now trains the next generation as a full-time coach at SM Skating.
- Skye Chua, set to compete in the 2025 Winter University Games.
- Cathryn Limketkai, who landed in the Top 10 at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.
- Hans Matthew Buemio, the first homegrown Filipino skater to qualify for the ISU Junior World Cup Series in short track speed skating.
- The Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team, crowned champions at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in Al Ain, UAE.
These stories prove that when young talents are given the right training environment, they can soar beyond expectations.
Sports Beyond the Ice
SM isn’t just about skating. Through SM Game Park and SM Bowling, families now have more venues to enjoy sports like billiards, bowling, table tennis, and archery. Permanent pickleball courts are also open in SM malls—encouraging fitness and fun for all ages.
For parents, this means having accessible, safe, and exciting places where kids can stay active, build discipline, and discover hidden talents.
A Vision for Families and the Future
“Building our malls has always gone hand-in-hand with planning how our spaces can serve as platforms for growth—including sports,” said Hans T. Sy. “By creating venues like SM Skating, we give young athletes the opportunity to train, build discipline, and prepare themselves for global representation.”
For families, this vision is more than just sports—it’s about teaching kids the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. It’s also about giving them opportunities to dream bigger.
If you’ve ever thought about letting your child try skating, the SM Skating Academy is now open for enrollees. Who knows? The next Filipino champion could be your child.
For inquiries, email [email protected]
