After the success of volleyball League for Legacy in Abu Dhabi last year, a third season was recently held at Yas Academy School, Abu Dhabi in partnership with United Filipino Overseas Sports Association (UFOSA).
The event helped 40 children with cancer at the House of Hope Foundation in Davao City, Philippines. The handover of proceeds was with a whooping Ph 100,000 and three jumbo boxes of goods.
Dr. Mae Concepcion Dolendo, program director at House of Hope, thanked the tourney organizers led by Dan Lester Dabon, The Filipino Times 2016 Healthcare Professional of the Year.
“What you have given us will go a long way in filling in the gap for treatment particularly the procurement of medicines, helping the children with therapy, and other means to treat them. So again, thank you very much and we hope that you will continue to support us. You’re all part of this success and God bless you all. Thank you!” Dolendo said
Dolendo said House of Hope is a transient home for children with cancer which has about 80% of kids treated at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. “House of Hope has created a significant impact in the survival of our kids because it allows them to continue with treatment, it has significantly decreased abandonment and it has provided a home for children ongoing treatment for Pediatric Cancer,” Dolendo said.
“At House of Hope, we have school in the home wherein our kids can continue with their studies while continuing on with their treatment,” she added.
The tournament also helped foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among some 100 Filipino volleyball players in the UAE while extending its exposure to other nationalities. There were 12 teams that competed this season, divided into two brackets, each of which had two teams qualifying for the semi-finals.
During the crossover match, Abu Dhabi Volleyball Club (bracket A) competed with Filipino Expatriates Volleyball Association- Team FEVA DaDha (bracket B). Team FEVA DaDha won with a score of 18-25. Following their match, Team FEVA Allen Dale won against Team FEVA Arvi with a 16-25 score.
The league started over a year ago in the hope to bring some sunshine into the lives of the children with cancer.
Dabon, who also is League for Legacy founder, said the tourney was also about championing the hearts of the UAE Volleyball community on the importance of the spirit of giving back. Championship prize was Dh1,000 cash and Dh2,000 worth of scholarship. Next tourney has been set for March 30 next year.
