British philanthropist Marko Kasic has completed a challenging 600-kilometer run across Luzon, calling for increased investment in grassroots sports for children in the Philippines.
His run follows the recent success of Filipino athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, notably Carlos Yulo, who won two gold medals.
Kasic, who is also the founder of the non-governmental organization FundLife, emphasizes the need for substantial support to help young Filipinos reach their full potential.
Kasic’s project, called Move Luzon ‘Run with Purpose,’ is part of FundLife’s ‘Play Equity’ pledge. This initiative aims to ensure that all children can play and learn safely.
Specifically, FundLife plans to provide 5,000 underserved children access to running clinics and train 100 teachers from the Department of Education to teach running classes.
“Move Luzon is my way of transforming FundLife’s vision into actionable commitment steps,” Kasic said in a statement. He believes that sports can protect, educate, and empower vulnerable children.
“If they excel at running or any sport, it could provide them with an athletic scholarship to finish high school and enter college. Running can be an attainable pathway from poverty to educational and economic prosperity,” he added.
Kasic began his two-week run on July 8 at Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud and finished on July 21 in Metro Manila.
He covered the equivalent of 14 marathons, engaging with various communities along the way.
Over 300 members of the Rockwell Run Club joined him for the final 21 kilometers.
Kasic aims to influence business leaders to support sustainable charity projects.
“These kids need significant support because reaching the pinnacle of their sport requires years of dedication and sacrifice,” he said. “Following Carlos Yulo’s double gold victory in the Olympics, now is the time to turn words into action.”
Since its founding in 2014, FundLife has impacted 86,000 children through its programs, promoting purposeful play and equitable education.
The organization continues to seek ways to empower youth and create lasting change in their communities.
