On June 9th 2013, Cooper and I ran the Laguna International Marathon in Phuket Thailand. We finished the with a 4 hour and 13 minutes completion and raised PHP 250K for Fairplay For ALL Foundation and Payatas FC. Below is video we made capturing our first marathon alongside the many wonderful experiences we’ve had with the organization. We like to thank our sponsors and everyone who contributed to our first Run Beyond Borders Campaign. Without the help and generosity of all those who support our efforts, our goals would be remain unseen. Thank you again for the collective contributions to the FFA and Payatas FC.
THE ORIGINAL GOAL PHP 500,000 Vehicle + Program Funding
The Jeepney has become an international cultural icon that represents the spirit, the adaptability and colors of Filipino culture. It symbolizes a nation infused with both local and foreign influences, and shares the vibrant traditions within modern society. In many ways, the Jeepney is a symbol of mobility beyond just transportation.
Run Beyond Borders aims to raise enough money to provide The Fairplay for All Foundation with a Jeepney of their own to overcome the landfill borders of Payatas and grant them the mobility, the freedom and the liberty to access the simple yet vital benefits of Manila. All proceeds will be used to fund the FFA’s vehicle and all remaining proceeds will be used to enrich current recreation and education programs.
The Jeepney will not only play an integral role in the physical transportation to and from sporting competitions, training, events, and field trips, but will provide educational opportunities and life experiences beyond the local walls of stigma, social disadvantages and hardship.
THE STORY BEHIND OUR GOAL
As a professional and international footballer and a certified teacher, we have been fortunate enough to use our professional careers to travel the world. With a passion for football, health and fitness, along with a commitment to education, exercise and nutrition, we have been able to find creative ways to contribute to nonprofit organizations and foundations around the world. It is our undying spirit for travel and facilitating small changes in people lives that makes experiencing the world valuable.
We created The Run Beyond Borders as our first charitable cause to raise funds that will provide The Fairplay for All Foundation (FFA) with a much needed vehicle for transportation.
With health, education and the adventures of travel at the heart of this mission, we will provide a mean of transportation for kids in the most underprivileged and forgotten sector of Manila and present them with mobility.
The Run Beyond Borders promotes health, nutrition and physical wellness as a the vehicle for life and learning; Maintaining mental and physical well being will be the foundation for a overcoming obstacles and a life of learning beyond Payatas. The vehicle will be the literal driving force behind accessibility and the metaphorical symbol of hope.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE
Although, we were only able to raise half of the original funds needed to purchase the foundation a jeepney, other sponsors were able to provide the organization with their transportation needs and the money we raised through Run Beyond Borders was used to support the opening of the FFA’s new drop in center, which includes a rooftop garden and a Baon Store run by the organizations children and families. Please visit the FFA’s Facebook page for full updates.