3 min read

The Heart and Soul Behind the Gear Up Rise Up Journey in the Philippines

In the picturesque landscape of the Philippines, the Let's Keep the Ball Flying (LKTBF) team embarked on a mission to empower communities through volleyball. This transformative journey, known as the Gear Up Rise Up (GURU) project, wasn't just a feat of athleticism but a testament to the power of collaboration, passion, and dedication. Here’s a look at the incredible team that made it all possible and the vital roles they played in bringing this vision to life.

Let's Keep The Ball Flying Gear Up Rise Up

Lesley de Jonge: The Visionary Leader

At the heart of the project was Lesley de Jonge, the founder of LKTBF. Lesley's unwavering commitment to grassroots development and community empowerment was the driving force behind the GURU project. His leadership ensured that every aspect of the mission aligned with the overarching goal of using volleyball to bring positive change.

Lesley de Jonge with Let's Keep The Ball Flying Gear Up Rise Up project (LKTBF)

John Kessel: The Head Coach of Gear Up Rise Up

John Kessel, renowned as one of the world’s leading experts in grassroots volleyball, served as the Head Coach of Gear Up Rise Up. With decades of experience, including roles in the Olympics and Special Olympics, John brought invaluable knowledge and passion to the project. His dedication to leaving a lasting impact on the communities in the Philippines was truly inspirational.

John Kessel with Let's Keep The Ball Flying Gear Up Rise Up project (LKTBF)

Anja Borsheim: Production Supervisor and Physical Training Expert

Anja Borsheim, Lesley’s right hand in production supervision, played a pivotal role in the project's success. Beyond managing logistics and ensuring everything ran smoothly, Anja spearheaded the physical training component of the toolkit. Her expertise ensured that the training sessions were effective, engaging, and accessible to all participants.

Anja Borsheim with Let's Keep The Ball Flying Gear Up Rise Up project (LKTBF)

Justyna Zientek and Matej Hrusovski: The On-Site Coordinators

Coordinating a project of this magnitude required meticulous planning and execution, and Justyna Zientek and Matej Hrusovski rose to the occasion. Justyna, the ambassador coordinator at LKTBF, and Matej, the project coordinator of the Gear Uprisor Toolkit, were instrumental in managing daily itineraries, tracking progress, and handling communication with local stakeholders. Their dedication ensured that the project stayed on track and met its objectives.

Milad Payami and the Videography Team

Capturing the essence of the GURU project was entrusted to Milad Payami, LKTBF's creative director, along with his team of international and local videographers. Their creativity and expertise in videography brought the toolkit to life, ensuring that the educational content was not only informative but also visually captivating.

LKTBF Ambassadors: Kimberly Drewniok, Ciara Michel, and Malina Terrell

The project was further enriched by the presence of LKTBF ambassadors. Ciara Michel and Malina Terrell played key roles in presenting the toolkit, sharing their knowledge and passion for volleyball with the local communities. Ambassador Kimberly Drewniok added a unique touch by crafting a special volleyball dance warm-up, blending fitness with fun and creativity.

Weeks of Preparation: The Unsung Heroes

The success of the GURU project was the result of weeks of meticulous preparation. Global experts including Ziva Cof from Slovenia, Timo Lippuner from Switzerland, and Eric Hodgson from the USA, worked alongside John Kessel and Lesley de Jonge in weekly online meetings to develop the toolkit. Their collective expertise and dedication were crucial in laying the groundwork for the project.

A special shoutout goes to the Spike and Serve Foundation, led by founder Nicole Tiamzon. As LKTBF’s partner, they provided indispensable support in local operations, ensuring that the project was executed seamlessly on the ground.

A Collective Effort: Over 30 People United

In total, over 30 passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds came together to make the GURU project a success. Their collective efforts, driven by a shared vision of empowering communities through sport, have set the stage for LKTBF to expand its impact globally.

The Gear Up Rise Up project in the Philippines is just the beginning. With a foundation of teamwork, passion, and commitment, LKTBF is poised to continue its mission of using volleyball to inspire and empower communities around the world. This journey is a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated individuals unite for a common cause.