MANILA, Philippines - In line with fund-raising efforts for the Philippine Specials — squads of booters with developmental disabilities — an exhibit and auction of works by local and international artists such as Manuel Baldemor, Rafael Cusi, and Norman Rockwell will be held on Oct. 17, 3 p.m., at the Valley Golf & Country Club banquet hall, Don Celso S. Tuason Ave., Antipolo City.
The organizers of the fund-raiser seek to solicit sponsorship pledges of at least P3 million to send the football squads to the 2013 Special Olympics Australia in Castle Hills, New South Wales. The duty of auctioning the paintings of masters such as Ang Kiukok, Anita Magsaysay, and Juvenal Sanso will be performed by the a capella group, Baihana, which will also be awarding raffle prizes, handing golf trophies, and providing the entertainment for the participants and organizers.
The Henry V. Moran Foundation, through the leadership of its chairman, Daniel M. Moran, and its head of futbol program, Eduardo M. Formoso, is organizing the event along with a charity golf tournament whose awarding ceremony will preclude the painting auction.
The exhibition and auction in Antipolo City hopes to do justice to the football skills of two teams that, in spite of having developmental and learning disabilities, exhibit an admirable overflow of camaraderie and sportsmanship. What overtly unifies the two teams is that the players in their early twenties show the joy of play, display warm regard and a supportive attitude towards each other, and exhibit an energetic and genial performance in the football pitch.
Established in 2009 to help improve the lives of the poor through community service, training, and vocational programs, the Henry V. Moran Foundation is a non-stock, nonprofit organization that rises to the challenge of alleviating the plight of individuals with developmental and learning disabilities who exhibit an aptitude and passion for the sport of football.