The “ journée du Volontariat Français” or French Volunteering Day, a day to highlight the volunteers and their commitment, was held last October 8, 2022 at the Lycée Français de Manille. This year’s theme, presented by Madame Michèle Boccoz, Ambassador of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, was “Sport for Inclusion and Reciprocity”. Virlanie Foundation was pleased to be invited to present some of Virlanie’s programs related to sports for our beneficiaries and to involve some of them from Ella Yallah Home, Masaya Home and the Street program.

The morning was dedicated to the presentation of various local organizations promoting youth development in the Philippines and speeches by Madame Michèle Boccoz, Mr. Pierre Soëtard, Head of International Volunteer Development at France Volontaires, was also present to share about the work of France Volontaires and the French Volunteer Day. Attorney Guillermo Jr. B. Iroy outlined the work of the Philippine Sports Commission in advocating for a better inclusive sport, especially for para athletes. Likewise, Mr. Brylle Samgel Arombo shared his experience as a Filipino para athlete through a
presentation entitled “The Art of Moving On”, which was thoroughly inspiring.

Afterwards, the day was dedicated to sports! Our beneficiaries and volunteers had the chance to enjoy a wide range of activities such as basketball, ping pong, soccer, yoga, badminton and chess! At the end of the day, there were prizes for the winning team and a lottery in which two of our beneficiaries won!