【Project Activities】

The Smokey Mountain Baseball Project (SMBP) is an initiative using baseball to support activities in the Tondo district, a slum area in Manila, Philippines. Since 2012, former professional baseball players from the Japan Professional Baseball Meikyukai and Japanese volunteers have visited Manila annually to conduct baseball clinics and exchange events.

【Project Background】

This project was originally implemented by JCI Tokyo starting in 2012. Our organization took over its planning and operation from 2019, making this the 14th consecutive year of the project.

【Project Objective】

‘- Educational support activities through baseball.- Employment support activities through baseball.In the Philippines, baseball is a sport through which children in impoverished areas can earn scholarships to advance their education. For families in these regions to escape their current living conditions, it’s crucial not just to provide materials but to give them knowledge and opportunities to break free from poverty, and to instill hope and dreams for their lives.

【Project Area】

Poverty alleviation through sports

【Methods】

Event/Competition Support

【Outcomes】

This time, a baseball event was held for approximately 100 local children with 30 volunteers from Japan (including 6 former professional baseball players). Mr. Alex Ramirez, a Hall of Famer from the Meikyukai (and former manager of DeNA BayStars), also participated as a special guest, providing direct coaching to the children through a full-fledged program. The activity was covered by local media, and 14 staff members from ANA, the title sponsor, participated as local volunteers, steadily expanding the circle of support.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

Baseball Coaching Participant: “What I saw in the Philippine slums was not just poverty, but children happily playing basketball on the streets. I realized that sports have the power to bring smiles across economic divides, and that even without a common language, hearts can connect through a ball. It was a precious experience not found in Japan.”Volunteer Participant: “I was shocked to see children living in conditions unimaginable in Japan, yet living brightly and strongly. At the same time, it was an extremely valuable experience that made me reflect deeply on many things. I believe this experience is very worthwhile for students. I strongly feel that any student considering participating should definitely do so at least once.”

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

To continue this activity, financial support and active supporters are indispensable. Additionally, increasing the frequency of the event, currently held once a year, is a future challenge to ensure children consistently acquire skills.

【URL】

SMBP2024：https://event.nbacademy.jp/smbp2024