Day 5: Boracay (Ati Village)

Yesterday we made it to our final destination Boracay! 
Boracay is a small island just off of Panay Island. This is a unique island as it is very popular with tourists from all over Asia but it also has a strong sense of community as well. It is an absolutely gorgeous island with beautiful beaches and sunsets. Ross’ uncle John lives here with his 4 children and wife. Ross’ brother Sean and his girlfriend Sally are visiting the family there so they were able to make it for the last leg of our trip. Uncle John and cousins Chico and Kya were great hosts to us there on the island and again we thank you for your hospitality. Chico is a big basketball fan and rounded up some troops at the local courts to challenge us to a little game of hoops there. A hard fought 3 game series battle between the 2 teams ended with this photo below. We were able to give away a few pieces of the equipment at the courts to local children after our game. 

The highlight of Boracay was spending some time at Ati Village. Ati Village is a government housing complex run by Sister Moth and Sister Marie. They said there are over 80 children living there anywhere from 3 months old to 17 years of age. We were able give them skipping ropes, volleyballs, volleyball nets, basketballs, badminton racquets and birdies. A few of the kids there challenged us to a 5 on 5 basketball game on their dirt court. Team wehaul2play took the nail biter of a battle 7-5. The kids had incredible energy. They were all extremely enthusiastic about playing sports with each other. IT was great to see everyone involved. The young kids, older kids, girls and the boys. As soon as they got some equipment they ran off and got right too it! Didn’t matter that it was 35 degrees outside. They really love to play over here. 

As our trip concludes here I want to thank my fellow riders Ross and Isaac for your energy, enthusiasm and perseverance. 

Isaac, after every DWI moment, of your pedals exploding or the canucks losing you kept it positive and gave everything you had to the kids. I appreciate your effort and so happy you were able to join us for this ride. 

Ross, “Rusty,” your logistical organizational skills saved us on numerous occasions. You were always able to anticipate possible issues and help dissolve them before they could become major issues. You are a true athlete as well and were always willing to give kids tips on any sport that the kids asked for. I thank you again and also appreciate your effort on this ride. 

Thank you to Paul Hayes. This is your creation here… Because of your idea we were able to spread the power of sport to the children of the Philippines. Thank you for your advice and assistance behind the scenes with the trip. 

Thank you to our readers and supporters!! Because of you we were able to hand out over 180 pieces of equipment in 1 week to close to impoverished children! Thank you to those who came to our bowling fundraiser, the open mic fundraiser at Sino Canada High School and to those who donated on the website. We appreciate your words of encouragement throughout the journey because it was those words that kept us pushing. Friends and family, we can feel your love and support no matter where you are sending it from.

For Ross, Isaac and Cyril, we thank you and love all of you!

Stay tuned, I will be uploading more photos from my camera when I return home.