In what was considered by regular runners as on eof the biggest, most organized, and cleanest fun run at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, about 12 thousand people braved the early morning drizzle and participated in the Athletes In Action’s Schools Run for School Rooms today, July 7.
Aside from students from various universities in Metro Manila who came by buses, celebrities also graced the occasion to show their support to the run for the rehabilitation of school rooms in Typhoon Sendong - hit places in Iligan City through the Kapuso Foundation.
Those who unleashed the power of their feet included TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva, who also extended the President’s greetings and led in the gunstart and awarding ceremonies. Also present were FILA big bosses, Butch and Cris Albert who were all out in their support of the program; Cibac Partylist Representative Sherwin Tugna and wife, Joni Tugna who is also the executive director of iCare Foundation, another beneficiary of the advocacy run.
Philippine Sports Pride Coach Elma Muros, paddlers from the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation, and celebrity endorsers Georgina Wilson, Borgy Manotoc and Tim Yap also joined the event. Lizz Litton hosted the event while singer Acel VanOmen capped the event with her songs.
Iliganon for Iligan
One runner who identified himself as Mr.Allison Alfeche, vice president for external affairs of the Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology’s Association of IIT Alumni Foundation Inc., extended his thanks in behalf of the Iliganon.
“I was fortunate that my family was not affected by Typhoon Sendong, but some of my friends were not
as lucky,” Alfeche shared in phone interview. As way of showing his gratitude, he said he’s into supporting whatever initiatives that are aimed helping his kababayans.“It’s my way of paying back,” headded.
Work worth doing
Athletes In Action’s National Director Coach Jose Andes, meanwhile, intimated that all the hard work put
into the staging of the event was worth it. “Any work that makes life better for others is worth doing, no matter how demanding it maybe” he said.
In the same breadth, event organizer Huper International chief executive officer and managing director, Edith Mendoza under scored the power of concerted efforts. “In our coming together, united by our desire to help Iligan get back on her feet, we have taken a giant step to her recovery,” she explained.
And finally, buoyed by the palpable excitement of the runners, Fila owner Butch Albert said it’s project worth repeating. “Let’s do this again,” he said.
Partners and supporters
Aside from individual runners, corporations also rallied behind the vision of new school for Iligan. Co-presented by Fila, it was also supported by Sony, Gardenia, Pocari Sweat, Ora Care,Soyami Healthy Chips, Mentos, Milcu, Treelizer, Air Conserve, Paramount Life and General Insurance Corporation, and the Bonifacio Estate Services Corporation. Media partners extended their help as well including GMA7, BusinessWorld, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and My Site Malixi.
All winners
While total of 18 winners emerged as top finishers in the 3K, 5K, and 10K categories, everyone who participated in the run went home victorious, knowing they were all winners for having been part of something noble.
The Athletes In Action–
Fila Schools Run for School Rooms was organized by events and productions specialist, Huper International.
After the run. Fila endorsers Borgy Manotoc, Tim Yap and Georgina Wilson, Fila owner Butch Albert, TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva, Ms. Cris Albert and Ms. Lizz Litton of the Athletes In Action – Fila’s Schools Run for School Room, 07 July 2012, Bonifacio Global City.
