DURING THE pandemic lockdowns, the absence of sports was keenly felt. But even if most of the attention was focused on the big commercial leagues that drew the fans and filled arenas, also equally missed were sports at the grassroots levels — especially run by spirited organizations who believe that sports is more than just entertainment.
With the return of sports at all levels, we must also celebrate the tireless work of these individuals and foundations who believe that beyond the court, pitch, or field, sports can make a difference.
Mindanao Peace Games fosters young sports leaders
Since 2014, the Mindanao Peace Games (MPG) has soldiered on its complex, multi-faceted mission of empowering leaders and promoting peace in the region, all under the aegis of sports.
This year, the organization finally launched its long-awaited book, co-written by MPG founder and convener Noli Ayo and collaborator Patrick Van Wersch. The slim volume, available on Amazon, serves as a blueprint for how sports leagues can transform a community.
But more than resting on its laurels, the MPG also launched a forum for the youth this year. Gathering 12 young sports leaders — Muslim, Christian, and Lumad alike — from six regions in Mindanao, the three-day conference featured speakers from the world of sports, such as Jeaneth Aro, Rubilen Amit, and more. Oliver Almadro, Inna Palacios, Rebo Saguisag, and Akiko Thompson were also able to meet with the participants. At the end of the conference, participants were expected to come up with an action plan for Mindanao sports, to further the MPG’s mission of becoming kalaro, kaibigan, kasama.
Spike and Serve Philippines raises next generation of athletes
Spike and Serve Philippines began in 2017 with a “spike” — a volleyball fundraising tournament — and a “serve” — the free volleyball training for Rizal youth that was the tournament’s beneficiary. Now, five years on, the foundation founded by Nicole Tiamzon is now so much more.
From her hometown in Rizal, the Spike and Serve foundation has now expanded to beneficiaries from Quezon City, Laguna, and even Bataan. It has partnered with Decathlon to help host a sports festival and more training workshops, and has even expanded its free sports seminars for kids to the field of martial arts. Then, at the end of the year, it hosted its biggest event yet — an Araw ng Pasasalamat that brought together its scholars, beneficiaries, coaches, and players to donate sports equipment and care packages… and of course, to play volleyball.
“It really builds a relationship with everybody within the community,” said Tiamzon of her foundation. We can’t wait to see how Spike and Serve will grow even more in the coming year.
PBA Motoclub and Mav’s Phenomenal proves you can have fun while giving back
It started from a random netizen comment. And it ended with a jampacked game that raised P300,000 for the National Children’s Hospital.
Fans filled the FilOil Arena to the rafters on October 22 to watch two fan-favorite clubs go at it in a showmatch: one, a motorcycle riding club composed of some of the PBA’s most popular retirees; the other, an online basketball sensation founded by Mavrick Bautista.
The ex-pros may have leaned on their experience to defeat the youthful ballers, 82-75, but for the players on the court, they were just thankful for the experience of making fans happy… and of course, for giving back to the community.
“Ang importante dito ay nakatulong kami, at marami pa kaming napasaya,” said Marc Pingris of the exhibition game. He also promised: “Ang totoo niyan, hindi pa ito ang huli.”
WATCH full video here.
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