MANILA, Philippines — Mark Anthony Bergado is a 16-year-old Grade Three student who might have to use his feet all his life to write and get a diploma.

Born without arms, Bergado has overcome discriminating comments from his peers, and often needs the help of others to do things what normal people easily do – like peeling a banana.

When he was invited last year to play for a football team in a festival organized by long-time football godfather Ed Formoso, all Bergado wanted to do is to have fun and maximize his capabilities since only his legs are needed to play the sport.

Little did he know it was going to be a start of new life.

Dolores Cheng, one of the godmothers of the Football For Good Program, a grassroots development project headed by Ed Formoso, has offered Bergado hope from her foundation.

She said her Center for Possibilities Foundation Inc, has pledged to give Bergado artificial arms next year.

“We’ll try to give him arms next year,” Cheng, who is also the president of Rotary Club of San Juan Gems.

Bergado said he’s excited and grateful to have artificial arms, but also feels anxious knowing that he might not get used to it.

With or without arms, the 5-foot-6 Bergado is determined to realize an ambitious dream – become a member of the Philippine football team.

“My idol is Chieffy Caligdong (Azkals striker),” Bergado said.

A defensive specialist, Bergado plays for FC Real Marikina, which competes in the Pinoy Football League.

“He’s an inspiration to everybody and he is a quality player,” said Marikina coach Jun Garcia of the student from Gitnang Bayan Elementary School. “Given continuous training and attention, he’ll do well in the future.”

Bergado is returning the favor to the people that could change his life by helping Formoso and Cheng in overseeing the one-day Football For Good U-13 tournament held at the La Salle-Green Hills Football Field on Sunday.

Despite the heavy downpour in the afternoon, the competition saw 600 kids from Luzon competing in three divisions.

One of the divisions includes A Special Football Cup which features 10 teams of indigent and marginalized and special individuals, including those suffering from emotional disturbance, mental retardation, speech and language impairments, learning disabilities and others.

It was sponsored by Cheng’s foundation and the RC San Juan.

Cheng said the underlying philosophy of the Special Cup is “inclusion. That is enabling and empowering the individuals and with special needs to participate in activities that normal person does and that includes football which is taking the country by storm.”

“Even special kids should enjoy the beauty of the sport,” Cheng said. “What’s good about this competition is that the kids are very competitive but not combative. They’re not hurting each other.”

Sponsored by La Salle, Center for Possibilities Foundation and the Henry Moran Foundation, the tournament will hand out trophies and medals to the winners.