Over the last three years, PlayPH has had the honor of sharing inspiring stories from every corner of the world of sports. From a handicapped swimming champion to a boy who turned his triathlon dreams into a reality, PlayPH has seen it all. A common thread through these sorts of stories is the fact that, more often than not, behind an athlete’s spirit of competition lays a deeper purpose to his skills and determination.
This story is about Kal El Chan, a 10-year old triathlete racing to help raise funds for Levi, a premature infant whose life is at stake. For Kal El, the journey to saving Levi’s life will begin at this year’s Alaska Ironkids Aquathlon on June 2, 2018.
“Our goal is to run one kilometer for every one thousand pesos donated,” Kal El’s father, Victor Chan, told PlayPH. At the time of this writing, baby Levi’s hospital bills have amounted to nearly P4.2 million. While a lot of people think there’s a slim chance of reaching that much, Kal El and his supportive family think otherwise. “He’s really determined.”
Baby Levi’s mother, Landra, is a teacher who specializes aiding special kids. After helping students in need develop sustainable brainpower for countless years, it was out of Kal El’s own volition to return the favor to their family friend. “It was my son who thought of using his skills to raise funds for Levi. After all, teacher Landra has always been helping kids, it’s about time we help her,” says Victor.
“Actually, besides this triathlon advocacy, Kal El started his own shoe-shining service here in the village to raise more funds.” For an ordinary 10-year old, restoring the glamour in shoes might not be a flattering task, but for Kal El, it seems that every peso counts.
Going the extra mile. Kal El shines shoes on the side to raise extra funds for Levi.
According to his father, the 10-year old’s inspiration comes from the parents. Having worked in the development sector for many years, it would only be fitting that Kal El inherited the attitude of service towards others. And with the racing skills of an Ironkid on hand, he’s ready to put that attitude to better use.
As mentioned, Kal El’s advocacy will officially kick off at the upcoming Ironkids Duathlon in Subic. “We’re really excited, because Ironkids is the best way to start Kal El’s fundraising journey. First and foremost, it’s a well-known triathlon brand. Second, maganda siyang platform to communicate his cause for Baby Levi. Third, maraming sumasali so it will be a perfect venue for us to spread our intention,” says Victor.
“I’m extremely proud of my son. It’s him having a deeper purpose in life at an early stage. I can see that he knows that it’s his duty to do good for other people.”
To help Baby Levi, click here: https://www.facebook.com/victorpersius/posts/10216376699959621
And for more information about Ironkids, visit: https://ironkidsphil.com/site/
