Kids Athletes Activation Day: Promoting Environmental Stewardship Through Play and Sport

On 9 June 2026, FundLife and the Kilian Jornet Foundation brought the Kids Athletes programme to Dulag, Leyte, in the Philippines, engaging 29 children and young people (22 girls and 7 boys) in a unique learning experience that combined running, environmental awareness, and community action.

The activation was held in celebration of the International Day of Play (IDOP), established by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated annually on 11 June. The day recognizes the critical role of play in supporting children's health, learning, and development, while encouraging governments, institutions, communities, and families to prioritize play in everyday life. 

Through the Kids Athletes programme, participants explored the connection between sport, everyday choices, and environmental responsibility. The session encouraged children to look beyond the finish line and consider how their actions can positively or negatively impact the places where they live, play, and learn.

The day began with a "Run Smart, Run Aware" activity, where participants practiced basic running techniques while observing their surroundings. As they moved through their community, they were encouraged to notice things they would normally overlook, including roads, waterways, green spaces, and signs of environmental challenges. 

During group discussions, participants reflected on the places where they spend most of their time. Many identified basketball courts, open fields, roadsides, and school grounds as important community spaces. When asked about the challenges affecting these areas, one issue stood out above all others: improper waste disposal.

“The spaces we play are usually flooded during rain because of waste clogging the canals,” shared Christian, a student participant.

The session then introduced the Kids Athletes video, which compares the actions of a responsible athlete and an irresponsible one. Through the story, participants explored how choices such as reducing waste, respecting nature, staying on designated paths, and choosing sustainable forms of transport can help protect the environment.

The video sparked meaningful reflection among the group. Many participants admitted that they had never considered how their own daily habits could contribute to environmental problems.

One of the youth shared, "The true winner was the blue player because he followed the right path and took care of the environment. Winning is not about being first; it is about doing the right thing and protecting nature."

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Inspired by these discussions, participants took part in a guided community run where they observed environmental conditions in their own barangay and collected visible waste along the route. The activity transformed learning into action, helping young people connect environmental issues with real-life situations in their community. The session concluded with participants making personal commitments to protect the environment. Their pledges included simple but meaningful actions such as disposing of waste properly, encouraging others to keep community spaces clean, and helping create signs that promote responsible waste management.

To celebrate their participation, each child was recognized as an Environment Champion and joined in reciting the Outdoor Friendly Pledge, reinforcing their commitment to becoming positive role models for their peers and communities.

Through movement, reflection, and action, the Kids Athletes programme helped young people in Dulag understand that protecting the environment does not require extraordinary resources. It begins with awareness, responsibility, and the everyday choices we make.

FundLife and the Kilian Jornet Foundation look forward to continuing to empower children and young people to become champions for both sport and nature.