Saving children with dance

The Game Of My Life

- By BILL VELASCO

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. — Matthew 25:40

LAHUG, Cebu City — In the last 25 years, a silent, selfless advocacy here has changed the lives of tens of thousands of children, all with the simple spirit of sharing and service. Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Edward Hayco and his wife Eleanor enjoyed their passion for ballroom dancing, but wanted to do more. They started bringing in foreign coaches to teach dancesport to the underprivileged children of Cebu province. And the children who were taught were asked to teach in return, starting a movement once small, but now blanketing almost the entire province. This is Team Cebu City Dancesport.

"We wanted to give back, and empower the children to be able to improve their lives," says Edward, who served as chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission for 12 years. "We ask the children to cascade what they've learned and be an example to other kids."