The spirit of resilience, family, and community came alive as young athletes took center stage at the IRONKIDS Davao 2026 race on March 21. In its second year of partnership with IRONKIDS, RLC Residences continues to champion its vision of nurturing future generations—not just within its developments, but across meaningful real-life experiences.
The Davao leg marked the first race of the 2026 IRONKIDS series, bringing together once again the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team, first-time participants, and returning young athletes in an event filled with energy, determination, and heart. More than a competition, it became a celebration of growth—both for the children on the course and the families supporting them every step of the way.
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The Pride in Racing at Home
For our Davao-based athletes, racing on home soil made the experience even more meaningful.
“It is very special and exciting, especially since it is happening here in Davao City. I’m proud to be a Davaoeño,” shared parent Rey Ko, whose sons Gavin and Greyson are both members of the RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team.
Gavin placed 18th in the 9-10 years old category, while Greyson ranked 12th in the 6-8 years old category.
Another parent also emphasized the pride that comes with representing their hometown.
“Doing triathlons is not new to Amir and Cyrus, but because of the pride that the race will be in Davao, we had extra loads of swimming time, biking time, and even running time,” shared their mother Fatima Buensuceso.
Amir finished 6th among the 9-10-year-old participants, while Cyrus ranked 11th among the 6-8-year-olds
RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team member Amir Buensuceso finishing the race at IRONKIDS Davao 2026.
For Rey, there’s pride in seeing their children represent their community.
“As parents, we are very proud of them, especially as Davaoeños representing the RLC Residences Davao athletes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gavin found joy not just in racing, but in the experience of being part of something bigger.
“Davao is very clean and safe. I really like the festivals, how supportive the people are, and the food is very yummy,” he said, capturing the vibrant spirit of the city.
Making Families Stronger through Sports
Beyond the race, the event highlighted how sports can strengthen family bonds.
“The training becomes our family bonding,” shared Fatima, recalling how her kids motivated her to become a triathlete as well, and how this led them to align their schedules to train with one another.
“Everything just comes easy,” she said of their setup. “What I like about this is that the two of them really support me as much as I support them,” she added.
For Rey, her sons’ passion for the sport also had a positive influence on their family.
“As a family, we became closer. We met new friends, we always support our child’s training, and we became stronger as a family,” she shared.
This reflects the heart of RLC Residences’ Raising Little Champions initiative—a movement that goes beyond athletic performance, focusing on character-building, confidence, and connection.
Members of RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team, most of whom are residents of RLC Residences properties, have access to spaces designed to support active lifestyles within their own residences.
For those based in Metro Manila, they regularly hold in-house training sessions at The Trion Towers in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig under the guidance of professional coaches Ronald Molit and Alexander Martin.
But for those living in the provinces, Molit and Martin continue to remotely coach and monitor their performance, making sure that they remain closely connected to the program and that distance does not limit their development and sense of belonging.
This setup enables RLC Residences to stay true to their commitment to build a strong community among parents, children, and coaches with the shared goal of raising little champions.
Lessons Learned Beyond the Race
For many families, the lessons learned through sport go far beyond the finish line.
“To develop discipline, perseverance, and determination—these are important for their future. Especially for us women, we need to be strong. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll want to achieve something bigger,” shared another parent Maridel Takei, whose daughter Ami, a member of RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team, placed 7th in the 9-10 years old category.
Parents echoed the importance of focusing on growth over results.
“I always tell her, every race is an experience—it doesn’t have to be about winning,” said another Davaoeño parent Yne Pablo, reinforcing the values of resilience and continuous learning.
Her daughter, Xyrene, finished 34th among participants in the 9-10 years old age group.
Fatima shared this sentiment: “It’s very hard if you put pressure on winning without them enjoying what they’re doing. If they enjoy what they are doing, for sure, it will lead them to winning the race.”
Some families also shared excitement about the evolving nature of the race. With new routes and fresh challenges, each IRONKIDS event brings something unique for young athletes to look forward to—further fueling their passion for the sport.
“It’s another race with a new route, so it was something exciting and it was something that we really prepared for and looked forward to,” Fatima said.
Building Communities Where Champions Grow
Through initiatives like Raising Little Champions and its continued partnership with IRONKIDS, RLC Residences remains committed to building environments where children can thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially. From thoughtfully designed amenities to community-led activities, these spaces extend beyond the home, shaping well-rounded individuals and stronger families.
As the IRONKIDS 2026 series continues in Subic and Cebu, the Davao leg stands as a powerful reminder: when children are supported by their families and communities, they grow into champions—not just in sport, but in life.
Because sometimes, becoming a champion does not end in the finish line—it continues beyond the race.
