Marick Elementary School learners gear up for sportsfest at Ateneo

A meaningful and fun-filled Sportsfest for Marick Elementary School was held on the afternoon of 29 November 2025 at the Ateneo Junior High School Covered Court. Marick Elementary School is ACED’s long-term partner and beneficiary of the food augmentation program. The event was sponsored by BC Play and the Giving Tuesday Group, led by Ms Coey Lorenzana. These two organizations are committed to nurturing children’s growth through education, play, and simple acts of kindness.

The activity was attended by 50 students from Grades 4 to 6, from Marick Elementary School in Cainta. The Sportsfest aimed to deepen the students’ awareness of good health and to encourage them to maintain it through participation in various physical activities and games.

BC Play, an organization founded by Mr Rafael Lorenzana, is dedicated to supporting public schools by donating playground equipment. The Giving Tuesday Group is an initiative driven by volunteers inspired to spread kindness through simple acts such as service and in-kind contributions.

Throughout the afternoon, the students actively participated in game stations including basketball, volleyball, and Pictionary. Volunteer students of Giving Tuesday Group, Friia Astrup, Sofia Velasco, and JJ Quiogue assisted in guiding the children through each booth, ensuring that the activities were enjoyable and engaging.

A special storytelling session was led by Ms Luntian Justo, an HR professional, and Mr Kevin Revilla, an Ateneo scholar. They shared stories from ACED’s Blueplate program, highlighting the students’ experiences in receiving nutritious meals through the Blueplate Feeding Program. The session brought inspiration and smiles to the young participants, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition alongside physical activity.

The event also became an avenue for shared gratitude. Speaking on behalf of the school principal, Ms Carolyn Buena, Marick Elementary School Coordinator for ACED's Food Augmentation Program, expressed the school’s heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and volunteers. She conveyed the school’s hopes for continued collaboration for the benefit of Marick Elementary School students. One student captured the joy of the activity with a simple yet sincere message, Thank you very much, we really enjoyed it. _{(translated message)}

The Sportsfest was a joyful gathering of students, volunteer professionals, and youth to play, learn, and build camaraderie. Students went home with bright smiles, carrying Noche Buena packages for their families.

For orders of ACED Blueplate books, you may email aced@ateneo.edu.