It was a weekend filled with fun and excitement as RLC Residences and Sunrise Events, a part of IRONMAN Group, hosted the highly anticipated IRONKIDS Lapu-Lapu 2024 last April 20 at The Reef Island Resort, Cebu. The event, which is part of the prestigious IRONMAN series, aims to promote sportsmanship and fitness among the youth while providing a lively and memorable experience for all participants that builds a community.
“We’re very happy to be part of IRONKIDS Lapu-Lapu, especially when we learned that this specific race had almost 300 participants from various places across the country. But more than that, seeing the kids’ journey is the highlight of this activity. Witnessing their talent and perseverance shine during the competition confirmed that this is a great opportunity to raise their game not just in sports but also for their future,” says Karen Cesario, RLC Residences Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer.
The much-awaited event opened with a special family affair held at the same venue a day before the race, where RLC Residences’ mascot Bob the Bear welcomed the athletes and their parents with exciting gifts and activities. This also marks a milestone for the developer with the creation of their first RLC Residences IRONKIDS team that competed during the race – including 6-year-old Johan Benedict Santos from Manila, who is one of the youngest participants in the race. He was accompanied by his parents, who shared that he became interested in triathlon at the age of four, inspired by his triathlete dad.
“Forming our own team for IRONKIDS is a dream come true for us, and we’re so happy that we were able to do it this year. Johan and his family are actually a resident of one of our condo developments, and his father is also a triathlete who joins IRONMAN races. Seeing Johan and the whole team in action, along with other IRONKIDS who have shown their bravery to conquer the race, is the biggest accomplishment for us because it inspired us to continuously build well-designed condos that can help support their life goals,” shares Dan Carlo Torres, Head of Brand Management and Operations of RLC Residences and Head of RLC Residences Triathlon Team.
RLC Residences has been a staunch supporter of IRONMAN and IRONKIDS, as the brand also formed its own Triathlon team competing in various races since 2022, including the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu Lapu race. The brand also shared that initiatives like this are their way of supporting the local sports scene while empowering more people to live their best lives through activities geared toward wellness and community building.
“IRONKIDS is more than a race, it’s an avenue for community building and a celebration of wellness and sportsmanship. By encouraging children to lead active lives, we are not only investing in their future but also the future of our communities. Events like these serve as a reminder that with determination, dedication, and a supportive community, anything is possible,” Cesario concludes.
The brand is looking forward to the next IRONKIDS tournament in Davao, which they will also be hosting this August.