To Build Outdoor Racquetball Courts
Donation protected
My Goal
Shortly after my appointment as World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR), Western Pacific Region Director, I moved to the Philippines with hopes to expand and develop this great sport overseas. It probably doesn't come as a shock to most people that racquetball is drastically underfunded relative to other sports, but it is slowly regaining the popularity it once had, expecially now that the "Outdoor" game is growing.
My personal ambition is to build courts here in the Philippines, to develop players, and then continue to grow and promote the sport. It is my goal to teach to all age groups the benefits of this sport as it pertains to overall health and fitness. Since arriving in the Philippines, the pubic response has been well received however, any further promotion of Outdoor Racquetball strongly hinges on construction of outdoor courts.
While several private locations have welcomed construction of courts through the donation of funds, I prefer to see this project built in a public venue, like a local park. Calbayog City (where I live) has offered to donate a site but admit that funds are in short supply to actually fund the entire construction. The overall difficulty is trying to raise money for something that nobody really knows anything about.
Calbayog City is a growing city and can benefit from this project, but public assistance is desperately needed to get this project going. Once courts are successfully built and the sport launched and promoted, little further promotion will be necessary as the sport will easily grow going forward on its own.
The Target.
Our target is 7,500 USD, which will cover the cost of building two adjoining, yet simple concrete courts, with soft net fencing and hopefully some lighting. Money left after construction will be applied toward the cost of our racquetball introduction campaign and promotion, and any marketing efforts targeted at schools, youth clinics, teaching and development. Hopefully there will be enough to make some initial equipment purchases costs which will be donated to our young participants.
The Impact
Due to a rather low entry cost to participate in this sport (similar to badminton), it becomes very easy to participate in this activity. As provided for in a public venue, racquetball is targeted as both an individual and family oriented activity. Wellness programs in the Philippines are beginning to emerge at basic levels of understanding, and when tied to combating youth health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and overall childhood malnutrition, sporting programs can go a long way in introducing and promoting overall well being. The success of other popular fitness sports here such as volleyball, badminton and table tennis, are all contributed to the low cost of participation. Because of the competitive and sporting nature of the Filipino people in general, it can be safely predicted that outdoor racquetball will become a viable and popular addition to the sporting menu here in the Philippines ;
- A sport where many newcomers can play at any level of competition.
- A great alternative to team sports where individuals can stay active in smaller numbers.
- An added wellness solution to a country with an extremely high rate of type 2 diabetes and other youth health related issues.
- A challenging alternative that can help contribute to infuse the local community with programs that bring the people together.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that some people may not be able to participate financially, but you can still help! You can help us spread the word about the growth of Outdoor Racquetball in developing countries and the Philippines. Share this site with friends and relatives on Facebook, Twitter, and any other social media you may use.
Thank you in advance for your help!
All contributors will be recognized by the World Outdoor Racquetball Association (WOR).
Shortly after my appointment as World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR), Western Pacific Region Director, I moved to the Philippines with hopes to expand and develop this great sport overseas. It probably doesn't come as a shock to most people that racquetball is drastically underfunded relative to other sports, but it is slowly regaining the popularity it once had, expecially now that the "Outdoor" game is growing.
My personal ambition is to build courts here in the Philippines, to develop players, and then continue to grow and promote the sport. It is my goal to teach to all age groups the benefits of this sport as it pertains to overall health and fitness. Since arriving in the Philippines, the pubic response has been well received however, any further promotion of Outdoor Racquetball strongly hinges on construction of outdoor courts.
While several private locations have welcomed construction of courts through the donation of funds, I prefer to see this project built in a public venue, like a local park. Calbayog City (where I live) has offered to donate a site but admit that funds are in short supply to actually fund the entire construction. The overall difficulty is trying to raise money for something that nobody really knows anything about.
Calbayog City is a growing city and can benefit from this project, but public assistance is desperately needed to get this project going. Once courts are successfully built and the sport launched and promoted, little further promotion will be necessary as the sport will easily grow going forward on its own.
The Target.
Our target is 7,500 USD, which will cover the cost of building two adjoining, yet simple concrete courts, with soft net fencing and hopefully some lighting. Money left after construction will be applied toward the cost of our racquetball introduction campaign and promotion, and any marketing efforts targeted at schools, youth clinics, teaching and development. Hopefully there will be enough to make some initial equipment purchases costs which will be donated to our young participants.
The Impact
Due to a rather low entry cost to participate in this sport (similar to badminton), it becomes very easy to participate in this activity. As provided for in a public venue, racquetball is targeted as both an individual and family oriented activity. Wellness programs in the Philippines are beginning to emerge at basic levels of understanding, and when tied to combating youth health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and overall childhood malnutrition, sporting programs can go a long way in introducing and promoting overall well being. The success of other popular fitness sports here such as volleyball, badminton and table tennis, are all contributed to the low cost of participation. Because of the competitive and sporting nature of the Filipino people in general, it can be safely predicted that outdoor racquetball will become a viable and popular addition to the sporting menu here in the Philippines ;
- A sport where many newcomers can play at any level of competition.
- A great alternative to team sports where individuals can stay active in smaller numbers.
- An added wellness solution to a country with an extremely high rate of type 2 diabetes and other youth health related issues.
- A challenging alternative that can help contribute to infuse the local community with programs that bring the people together.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that some people may not be able to participate financially, but you can still help! You can help us spread the word about the growth of Outdoor Racquetball in developing countries and the Philippines. Share this site with friends and relatives on Facebook, Twitter, and any other social media you may use.
Thank you in advance for your help!
All contributors will be recognized by the World Outdoor Racquetball Association (WOR).
Organizer and beneficiary
Randy Landis
Organizer
Lake Oswego, OR
Randall Landis
Beneficiary
