Yes, it’s Rexona’s YES program!

MANILA, Philippines - As part of its “Do More” campaign, Rexona launched its Youth Excellence through Sports (YES) program in Smokey Mountain last April 13. The YES program aims to develop youth sports in Smokey Mountain through the creation of a training program specifically for coaches.

Since 2011, Rexona has committed to a long-term support for Smokey Mountain. In the last two Rexona Runs (2011 and 2012), Rexona donated its proceeds to the restoration of the area’s multipurpose field and sports complex. The YES program is the next step in making Rexona’s commitment to sports development even more sustainable.

“Rexona launched this program not only to develop youth sports in the Philippines which we see as a worthwhile project but also to develop confidence in our youth,” said Mar Corazo, Rexona assistant brand manager.

Run in partnership with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, the YES program properly trains public school teachers and coaches to benefit the 20,000 children in the area.

JCI Manila is the oldest leadership and development organization in the Philippines created with the goal of developing sustainable programs for the benefit of communities program throughout the city.

Jonas Ang, JCI Manila president, spoke about how the program aims to cultivate excellence in children by fostering their early dreams and aspirations through sports. Ang believes that through proper mentoring, sports excellence not only encourages the development of athletes but also instills valuable life skills in the youth like confidence and hard work.

Toby Claudio, president of Toby’s Sports and former JCI president, noted that athletes should be aspirational figures, especially those who embraced the opportunities presented to them such as sports mentorships, programs, and scholarships. Harry Morris, captain of the Philippine Volcanoes rugby team, was also in attendance to provide support for the event.

The YES program consists of 15 modules over three weeks focusing on the development of three sports — football, athletics, and baseball. On hand to run the modules are Mick Perez, head of athletics at Ateneo de Manila University, and representatives from the Philippine Football Federation and the Little League Baseball Philippines.

The modules are not exclusively sports specific as all coaches present during the program attend a session called the Foundation of Coaching in order to create not only coaches but mentors for the children of Smokey Mountain.