Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Andrew Pirie
Revolution from the grassroots: Insights on the advocacy of RUN FOR CHANGE
By: Airnel T. Abarra
Athletics Clinic
Participants of the athletics clinic powered by RUN FOR CHANGE. “L-R Jerby Deriada, Edgar Bardel, Ian delos Santos, Isidro del Prado Jr, Mr. Albert Abarquez – Laguna Provincial Sports and Games Development Office Head, Karl Francisco, Christopher Ulboc, Jr, Joanne Lu, Provincial Board Member Neil Andrew Nocon, Atty. Eric Pasion, Jesson Ramil Cid, Emmanuel delos Angeles, and Coach Airnel Abarra (far right)
“Why go to Manila, if Manila can come to you”. This was the statement of Atty. Eric Pasion, of RUN FOR CHANGE (Run4change, Inc.) in their recently concluded Track and Field clinic held at the Laguna Sports Complex, Sta. Cruz, Laguna last November 11.
The clinic allowed high school student-athletes from Del Remedio National High School, San Pablo City and selected athletes from the Division of Laguna. Meet, greet and train with the athletes supported by RUN FOR CHANGE. It was a start to their program of sharing their talents and demonstrating the latest training techniques they’ve learned. Down to the community level as part of their quest to support total grassroots development in Athletics.
Begginings
RUN FOR CHANGE started as a student organization dedicated to supporting road runs in the University of the Philippines, Diliman by providing logistical support to race organizers. Eventually, it evolved as one of the more established race organizers and event managers in the country with numerous successful road-racing events.
Christopher Ulboc of RUN FOR CHANGE teaching Laguna athletes on proper core training.
Tapping the resources and knowledge of well-seasoned university athletes and aided by the managerial skills of their core group, RUN FOR CHANGE not only organizes races but has now evolved into an organization that provides support to athletes competing at National and International competitions. Athletes belonging to their group were overall champions for the Men’s Division in the 2011 and 2012 Philippine National Games.
Selection
Athletes from their selection team in turn represented the country overseas to participate in competitions. Such as the Hong Kong Inter-city Athletic Meet, the Singapore Open and most recently, in the Thailand Open. Most notable of their performances was that of Jesson Ramil Cid. Who captured the Gold for the Men’s Decathlon. And almost broke the national record which was established in 2001. As early as now, the athletes of RUN FOR CHANGE are preparing to defend their title as the Men’s Overall Champion in the 2013 Philippine National Games which will be held in Lingayen, Pangasinan this May.
Philippine National Games Hammer Throw medalist Karl Francisco of RUN FOR CHANGE teaching an athlete of Del Remedio National High School on proper form and technique in Shot put.
What sets RUN FOR CHANGE apart from other organizations is the fact that they are a non-profit organization. The proceeds of their racing events go into supporting athletes and providing assistance for grassroots development programs in different communities. “It is not enough that you are good. If you are good, you must share your talents with others,” says Atty. Pasion.
New Training Techniques
RUN FOR CHANGE believes that in order to strengthen the talent pool for track and field, young and aspiring athletes should be given a chance to be exposed to new and progressive training techniques and at the same time, coaches should also get the best education that can be offered. Opportunities to learn should always be at the forefront of development.
Prime movers- Atty. Eric Pasion and Joanne Lu of RUN FOR CHANGE strikes a pose during the Athletics Clinic
With their experience in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, RUN FOR CHANGE looks forward to engaging more communities in the future. They are looking into opening their doors and transforming this simple meet and greet / track and field clinic into an institutionalized program of support for grassroots development with proper coordination with local government units with the support of corporate sponsors. Through this, talent identification at the grassroots level will be much better, which in the long run, will strengthen the base of Philippine Athletics
If you want to help this kind of advocacy, you can contact RUN FOR CHANGE or send email to [email protected].
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