Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano has announced the partnership of the city government with VOLeaders, a renowned leadership program for student-athletes at the University of Tennessee. Rubiano said the collaboration aims to cultivate student-athlete leaders through sports to create positive social change. She said VOLeaders Academy is an academic-based program that combines leadership development with sport for change work. As part of their culminating experience, they have organized a 10-day international program to introduce their student-athletes to elite sports in various countries and explore how sports can have a positive impact on communities. Rubiano said a discussion between Councilor Joey Calixto-Isidro and VOLeaders Academy represenqtatives was held on January. She said the city is honored to host VOLeaders Academy this July and looks forward to engaging with the talented students in the city. The VOLeaders Academy has conducted a sport fest event in Pasay City and the event has brought together 30 athletes from the University of Tennessee, along with staff from their athletics department, to facilitate sports activities for Pasay City's youth on July 2. The mayor said the event took place at the Jose Rizal Elementary School, utilizing its courts and open spaces. Rubiano said the sport fest achieved its goal to provide a fun and engaging experience for approximately 300 children, regardless of age or physical ability. She said the athletes organized small groups and facilitated age-appropriate sport skills, teach new games and activities that encourage physical movement, and promote enjoyment through sports. The mayor added that VOLeaders Academy provided all necessary sports and activity equipment for the event. During the sport fest Rubiano spoke about the city’s roles and accomplishments, highlight their efforts in promoting physical fitness and activity within the community. Rubiano appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with VOLeaders Academy and welcomes the chance for their student-athletes to interact with the local community. She said the partnership will provide a unique platform to inspire Pasay City's youth and create lasting positive change.