Supporting Dreams Through Baseball: The Smokey Mountain Project 2025 Initiative

A Lifeline for Dreams: The Smokey Mountain Baseball Project 2025

The Smokey Mountain Baseball Project (SMBP), a noble initiative aimed at uplifting children from the impoverished areas of Smokey Mountain in Manila, Philippines, has entered its 14th year of operation. Hosted by NB.ACADEMY, a non-profit organization based in Tokyo, the project held its annual event from May 23-25, 2025, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. With participation from former professional baseball players such as Michihiro Ogasawara, the project provides not just coaching, but a chance for these children to dream bigger and achieve their goals through education.

Since its inception in 2012, SMBP has combined sports with educational support, guiding children to secure scholarships for high school and university. This wonderful initiative connects volunteers, former athletes, and corporations who share a common goal: to inspire underprivileged youth. The significance of baseball goes beyond teaching techniques; it is about instilling confidence, discipline, and commitment in the children who often face bleak futures.

The event featured around 40 volunteers from Japan, alongside prominent figures in Filipino baseball, reinforcing the international dimension of this initiative. Notable attendees included former players and popular YouTubers, significantly raising awareness and support for the cause. Sponsors, including ANA, Mizuno, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, contributed not only funds but also equipment vital for the children’s baseball training.

SMBP started as a collaboration between JCI Tokyo and JCI Manila, initially operating as a closed volunteer activity. However, the pandemic posed challenges, prompting discussions about its future. In response, the project was officially transferred to NB.ACADEMY in 2023, allowing it to transition into an open, collaborative volunteer program. This shift has made it possible for a greater number of individuals to contribute to and participate in this meaningful endeavor.

As of January 2025, SMBP has successfully helped 111 graduates secure scholarships to continue their education. The stories of these young achievers resonate deeply within their communities, providing hope and encouragement to other children living in similar conditions. The project demonstrates how sports can be a transformative platform that connects dreams with opportunities.

In the words of Ken’ya Ichino, a representative from ANA, witnessing the joy of children playing baseball amidst sweltering heat was both uplifting and inspiring. His comments reflect the shared sentiment among volunteers and sponsors, signifying the importance of supporting such meaningful endeavors.

Bobbit from JCI Manila remarked on the profound impact that SMBP has had on the community. The program not only teaches baseball skills but also the importance of hard work and discipline, with participants earning scholarships that allow them to pursue higher education.

As the project evolves, there are plans to launch the Asian High School Baseball Championships in 2024, held in Jakarta. This event aims to further inspire Filipino youth, giving them a platform to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams, with the belief that this initiative will provide them with opportunities previously thought unreachable. To facilitate participation, financial support for travel and accommodation will be crucial.

We are actively seeking partners—be it individuals, companies, or organizations—that resonate with our mission and wish to contribute to the aspirations of these young baseball players. By rallying together, we can collectively cultivate brighter futures for children determined to rise above adversity.

Through collaborations and sponsorships, SMBP continues to thrive, breaking down barriers and nurturing a generation of children who are now equipped with skills, ambition, and the support to tackle their dreams. The success of this initiative underscores the power of community effort in shaping lives through sports and education.

Ultimately, the Smokey Mountain Baseball Project stands as a testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that through education and sports, we can create a better tomorrow for those in need.