Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity, continues to inspire individuals to create more smiles, new beginnings, and the opportunity for children with clefts to live full and productive lives.
Smile Train Team EMPOWER, an endurance fundraising platform that allows athletes to create an online fundraising page and encourage their friends and family to show support by donating to the cause. Smile Train Team EMPOWER currently has charity slots sold-out to marathons and multi-sport races, such as the London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City marathons and a number of IRONMAN® races around the world.
“As Smile Train celebrates its 20th year, we continue to recognize people who want to contribute their time and talent for a good cause,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train’s Area Director for South East Asia. “Smile Train Team EMPOWER is the perfect avenue for athletes to pursue their personal fitness goals while still creating a brighter future for babies born with clefts.”
In time for the upcoming World Marathon Majors in Berlin, Chicago, and New York City, Smile Train hosted a Team EMPOWER celebratory event for the athletes who have raised awareness and funds for Smile Train and children with clefts. The event was held at The Rudy Project Lifestyle Store in Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, and was attended by founder and president of People Ignite and a cancer survivor, Joy Wong; Pound Fitness pro, Marge Camacho; triathlete coach, Coach Norman Pascual; and Joyette Jopson, triathlete coach and the First Filipino Finisher of the FWD 78° North Marathon. During the event the athletes held an open discussion about the ins and outs of participating in a marathon and shared their own personal fitness tips.
“In the Philippines, there is an estimate of 5,000 babies with clefts born every year. We are grateful for our Smile Train Team EMPOWER athletes who help us raise funds and awareness for children in need. Having their support helps us reach more patients all over the country.” Coseteng-Flaviano concludes.
To learn more about Smile Train Team EMPOWER and the races, visit: smiletrain.org/get-involved/team-empower or email [email protected].