Jaime Gill volunteered with ISF in 2014 and again in 2015. As a PR and communications professional, he helped us with all manner of projects from social media training with local staff to helping to produce a video for our Education Programme. He has since moved permanently to live and work in Phnom Penh…and taken up marathon running!. As part of his marathon training, on June 18th Jaime took an early morning run out to the ISF Sports Ground to join us for the ISF- All Abilities Tournament for players with physical and intellectual disabilities. We thought the long run might dampen his energy for sports that day but were delighted to hear that he felt it was worth every single step!  Read why in his letter below:

“Hi everybody,

I just wanted to say it was worth every single step of the 25 kilometer run I made in the baking heat to come along to the ISF All Abilities Football Tournament on Saturday, 18th June. It was one of the most brilliant, moving things I’ve ever been part of.

I worked for 9 years in an NGO for people with disabilities in the UK, and I know how hard it was for them to access sporting opportunities and great days out where they bond with others and learn teamwork. I know that in South East Asia such opportunities are almost unheard of. So I felt hugely proud that I’d once volunteered at ISF, because you achieved something beautiful and unique.

I could see how happy the teams were to play and how much they enjoyed it, whether they won or lost. But what really impressed me were all the coaches, particularly the ones who supported some of the players with intellectual disabilities by working with them, letting them hold their arms for support, encouraging them. It was beautiful to see. I’m sure they’ll not forget it, and I won’t either.

Thank you for inviting me and please invite me to every single one in the future! I will always want to support ISF, what a remarkable organisation it is.

Jaime