Marko Kasic Runs 600km to Advocate for Greater Grassroots Sports Investment for Filipino Youth

Marko Kasic, a British philanthropist and founder of the humanitarian powerhouse FundLife, has just completed an extraordinary 600-kilometer running challenge across Luzon, Philippines. But this feat was far more than a personal accomplishment—it was a clarion call to action. He undertook this epic run to rally for greater investment in grassroots sports for Filipino children. Fresh off the heels of the nation’s triumphs at the Paris 2024 Olympics with world-class talents of Filipino athletes, notably Carlos Yulo winning two gold medals, Marko’s message is clear: it's time to nurture the nation's young talents from the ground up.

Turning vision into impact, Marko’s latest endeavor is a timely reminder of the untapped potential that lies within the Filipino youth. The journey, which began on July 8 at Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud and concluded on July 21 in Metro Manila, saw Marko running the equivalent of 14 marathons in just 14 days. Despite the challenge of running mostly solo, he was buoyed by the support of communities along the way. His final stretch was especially inspiring as over 300 members of the Rockwell Run Club joined him for the last 21 kilometers.

The project, dubbed “Move Luzon: Run with Purpose,” is part of FundLife's bold 'Play Equity' Pledge—a campaign that seeks to provide all children with the right to play and learn in a safe environment. This particular effort aims to give 5,000 underserved children access to running clinics while training 100 DepEd teachers to teach running classes. In essence, the project uses sports as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and protection of vulnerable children across the Philippines.

Truth to tell, sports can be a lifeline—mainly in a country where financial constraints often limit access to both education and professional opportunities. “If they excel at running or any sport, it could provide them with an athletic scholarship to finish high school and enter college,” Marko asserted. “Running can be an attainable pathway from poverty to educational and economic prosperity.”

“Move Luzon is my way of transforming FundLife’s vision into actionable commitment steps. Just like our work, it’s about giving to make a tangible impact on the lives of all children. We hope that by showcasing our passion for education and sports, we might inspire others in power to move with us,” he added.

The Move Luzon initiative highlighted the beauty and potential of Luzon's communities through a collaboration between FundLife and the Bike Scouts project. This social platform aims to empower both people and bicycles to foster genuine community-based resilience.

Marko’s epic run wasn’t just about raising awareness; it was a direct appeal to business leaders and policymakers to rethink their approach to charity and social impact. He stressed the need for sustained and strategic investment in grassroots sports, citing the inspiring performance of Filipino athletes like Carlos Yulo at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He pointed out, “These kids need significant support because reaching the pinnacle of their sport requires years of dedication and sacrifice. Following Carlos Yulo’s double gold victory in the Olympics, now is the time to turn words into action. Support these young Filipinos from the start, as lip service alone is not enough.”

Since its founding in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, FundLife has been at the forefront of promoting purposeful play and equitable education for marginalized children. Their flagship project, Football for Life Academy (FFLA), has reached over 4,500 children through football and classroom sessions. By integrating sports with education, FundLife teaches not just football skills but also critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience—skills that go far beyond the field.

FundLife's impact doesn’t stop at boys’ football. Their Girls Community League (GCL), a futsal league for adolescent girls in Cebu, has won international recognition for its innovative approach to keeping girls in school and engaged in sports. By fostering safe and supportive environments, GCL has become a global model for empowering young girls through sport.

Looking ahead, FundLife’s commitment to creating safe spaces for children is further cemented by their soon-to-be-launched Generation Amazing Community Center (GACC) in Tacloban, a 1,200 square meter multi-purpose facility designed to be a haven for learning, sports, and community engagement. Scheduled to open in October 2024, this space will include everything from a sports hall to a co-working center, designed to support and uplift the most vulnerable in the community.

In 2021, FundLife and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation joined forces to offer a safe recreational and educational environment for hundreds of Samal-Bajau children amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They achieved this by constructing the country's inaugural floating football pitch in Maluso, Basilan, Mindanao.

Throughout its existence, FundLife has significantly influenced 86,000 children and young individuals through its initiatives. Notably, fourteen schools have integrated the FundLife curriculum, empowering 780 teachers and youth leaders through enhanced skills, and reclaiming seven safe spaces dedicated to youth and women.

Follow @fundlifeint for more updates.

Text by Leigh Sofia Lazo