Getting to know Kirk Long on and off the court.
On court, Ateneo's shooting guard Kirk Long is intense. His moves are calculated. He runs too fast. Some people ask why he didn't join the track team. But off the court, he leads a double life as the doting "Kuya Kirk" of homeless kids.
Kirk and his family moved to the Philippines in 1991, but it wasn't only until 2003 when they decided to build a home for children. While eating at McDonald's, Kirk's younger sister Janel noticed the streetkids begging outside the restaurant. She then asked, "Why can't we do more for these kids?"
From that one idea at McDonald's was born New Faith Family Children's Home. It has since expanded into two branches: 34 kids stay in Antipolo while 26 more are housed in Malaybalay.
"It's basically a 24/7 home for the kids. They eat, sleep and study there," Kirk's dad Jeff explains.
Growing up, Kirk says he had a lot of role models. They made him a better person. Now, it's his turn to be a role model to these kids. He volunteers by teaching the kids basketball. He also takes them out for food, coaches local leagues, and does devotions with them at night. Bringing his dogs to the Children's Home has also become quite a habit.
What's most notable about the Children's Home is kids are always present at Kirk's games. It's impossible to miss 30 kids plus 20 guardians wearing Kirk's #12 jersey.
The idea of bringing kids to games came from the Long family since they want to share this part of Kirk's life.
"They're often at the games, so it's easy to forget that what they're doing is actually special. I know that this chapter of my life won't last for long. Seeing the kids watch me is a good reminder for me to be thankful for where I am right now," he says.
After so many games, have the kids already adopted the Ateneo way? "They do know some of the cheers. Our caregivers are fanatics and they teach the cheers to the kids," Jeff says.
Just last Wednesday, Kirk celebrated his 22nd birthday. Aside from celebrating with his teammates, he also took the kids to the cinema. Their movie of choice?
"Despicable Me!" Kirk quips. Pretty fitting for someone who's adopted so many kids into his life.
Source:http://ph.promotion.yahoo.com/college-hoops/campus-coverage-article?blogid=college_hoops&postid=148&viewPost=1
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