In a heartwarming fusion of sports and community service, RC Makati and the Fairplay for All Foundation recently hosted a memorable Community Day in Payatas, Quezon City. The event, which drew together more than 30 children aged 13 and under, featured Rugby and Futsal clinics that showcased the transformative power of sports in inspiring and uplifting young lives.
Leading the RC Makati delegation were Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison, joined by DGE Reggie Nolido, PP JunJun Dayrit, IPP Bing Matoto, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, CB Rivilla, Jay Savage, and Paolo Turno.
The event was headlined by Marcus Smith, a renowned international Rugby star, and Ronalyn Lagata, a futsal standout who has leveraged sports to rise above poverty. Marcus Smith shared his skills and experiences with the eager young participants. Ronalyn, supported by her team and Fairplay for All Foundation co-founder Roy Moore, also played an active role in coaching the children, further emphasizing the impact that sports can have in changing lives.
The event was graced by dignitaries such as Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines, and DG Prescy Yulo. Other special guests included Marcus Smith’s mother, Suzanne, and his brothers Luc and Tomas. The event’s success was further supported by Neil Gene, a close family friend of the Smiths, who played a key role in organizing the event for the day.
Adding to the excitement, each child received a Rugby shirt courtesy of RC Makati, and a pair of shorts provided by Marcus Smith. The community was also gifted Rugby balls and tees donated by the Makati Mavericks through RC Makati member Rick Santos, ensuring that the children would continue their sports journey even after the event concluded.
In his address, Pres. Keith shared the story behind the event’s conception. “Rotary, much like sports, has the power to unite people from different backgrounds, all working together to achieve a common goal. Let me share a brief background on how this event came to be. Last (Rotary) year, we held the Paing Hechanova Youth Leadership Awards, a nationwide search for the most outstanding youth leaders. Nominations were submitted for over 70 candidates, but only 10 were recognized as finalists, including Ronalyn Lagata. Her story and her impactful work here in Payatas continue to inspire us all, earning her a special award during the Awards Night. The magic of Rotary didn’t end there; that platform allowed Ronalyn to share her story, which reached Marcus Smith. Marcus was deeply moved by Ronalyn’s story, and that is why we are all here today. This event is a testament to the Magic of Rotary (our theme for this year), and I hope it is one of many positive changes you experience in the community.”
The day not only provided an opportunity for the children to learn from world-class athletes but also underscored the shared commitment of RC Makati and the Fairplay for All Foundation to make a lasting difference in the lives of the young generation.
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