Project SMYLES: Sparking Dreams Through Sports in Smokey Mountain

On May 23, 2025, Barangay 128 in Tondo became a hub of inspiration and growth as Project SMYLES (Smokey Mountain Youth Leadership Engagement through Sports) unfolded. Spearheaded by JCI Manila, this innovative initiative combined basketball clinics and leadership talks to empower the youth of Smokey Mountain. Through sports and education, the project ignited passion and purpose, creating pathways for young athletes to dream bigger and achieve more.

Expert Basketball Clinics Led by UCAL Champions

Project SMYLES featured impactful basketball clinics led by the reigning UCAL men’s champions from Olivarez College. These meticulously designed sessions offered grade school and high school athletes comprehensive training in fundamental basketball skills. Beyond skill-building, the clinics cultivated teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance. The presence of collegiate champions provided a motivating glimpse into higher levels of competition, reinforcing the value of hard work and dedication. This high-quality training boosted the confidence of many youths and inspired them to pursue their athletic dreams.

Inspirational Talk by PBA Player Adrian Nocum

Adrian Nocum, a PBA player for Rain or Shine and Mapua alumnus from Tondo, delivered an energizing and deeply resonant inspirational talk. He shared his journey from playing street basketball to professional success, candidly discussing financial hardships and pressures, emphasizing that big dreams require hard work, discipline, and support. 

Nocum stressed the importance of education alongside sports, highlighting it as a safety net for a well-rounded future. As a successful role model from their community, his presence inspired belief in the young athletes’ potential for greatness despite their circumstances. The interactive and heartfelt talk fostered trust and motivation, transforming the event into a potentially life-changing experience.

Leadership Talks Empowering Youth Beyond Sports

Project SMYLES uniquely combined sports with leadership development, acknowledging that athletic prowess alone does not guarantee success. The leadership talks addressed crucial life skills such as goal setting, resilience, and time management, using interactive methods to encourage self-reflection and planning. Participants learned that leadership encompasses self-discipline and responsibility, with education being vital for both leadership and future achievements.

Furthermore, the sessions underscored how leadership can drive positive change within the community, inspiring the youth to become exemplary figures. Project SMYLES provided a comprehensive approach to youth development by integrating these elements, thus fostering character and vision alongside physical skills.

Strong Community and Sponsor Support

Project SMYLES achieved success through the generous support of numerous sponsors and community partners, whose contributions ensured a well-equipped, nourished, and welcoming event for all attendees. Local food providers like Zark’s Burger and Angel’s Pizza offered nourishing meals, while Waters Philippines, Aquabest, and SIGI kept participants hydrated during physical activities, with additional food products supplied by Monde M.Y. San Corporation and Mega Sardines for both youth and volunteers. 

Spalding, Aktive PH, and Byndthegame generously provided sports equipment and materials, ensuring quality resources for the basketball clinics, complemented by infrastructure support from PG Flex Linoleum, Archipelago Builders Corp., and Maruyama Tarpaulin, which created a safe and functional environment. The involvement of sponsors such as Joly Candy, Nihonweld, and Dynex Batteries underscored the community’s dedication to youth development, with their support beyond monetary donations demonstrating a shared belief in the power of sports and education. This collaborative effort showcased the significant impact of partnerships among private companies, sports organizations, and community groups, fostering unity and a shared sense of responsibility towards the youth of Smokey Mountain.

Leadership and Vision from JCI Manila

The visionary leadership of JCI Manila, specifically Chairman Neil Guevarra and Co-Chair Director Kevin Patco, was central to Project SMYLES’ success. Their crucial dedication and strategic planning transformed the concept of a sports-based youth empowerment program into a tangible reality. Guevarra and Patco spearheaded the coordination of partnerships, effectively mobilized necessary resources, and inspired a team of volunteers who were deeply committed to the project’s core mission. 

Their guidance ensured that every facet of the event, encompassing training logistics and community engagement, was executed with meticulous excellence and genuine care. Moreover, they prioritized sustainability, with the goal of developing a replicable model adaptable to other barangays and diverse sports. This forward-thinking approach acknowledged that empowering youth through sports represents a significant long-term investment in both community development and the broader effort of nation-building. 

JCI Manila established a robust foundation for future impactful initiatives by cultivating strong collaborations among educational institutions, professional athletes, committed sponsors, and influential local leaders. Ultimately, their exemplary leadership effectively demonstrated the profound impact that passion, clear vision, and dedicated teamwork can have in sparking transformative change within underserved communities.

Key Takeaway

Project SMYLES exemplifies the transformative power of sports combined with education and leadership development. Through expert training, inspiring role models, and strong community support, the initiative empowered the youth of Smokey Mountain to dream bigger and pursue their goals with confidence. Guided by visionary leadership and collaborative partnerships, Project SMYLES is lighting the way for a brighter, more hopeful future—one where sports become a catalyst for personal and community growth.

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