When Jonathan Sirisackda was sent to America as a child, his parents hoped he would master math, science, and English at the Elgin Academy. But the lessons that would really shape his destiny came from an unexpected source — video games. What began as a pastime became a purpose and today, Jonathan is channeling his passion to empower a new generation of Lao athletes. As the founder of the Lao Esports Federation, he helped lead his country to into competition, including a historic bronze medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. Jonathan is not just redefining what it means to be a gamer — he’s transforming a once-dismissed obsession into a movement, a career, and a global adventure.

Jonathan Sirisackda is the founder and president of the Lao Esports Federation.

https://www.facebook.com/LaoeSportsFederation

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

For many, running is more than a sport—it’s a sanctuary, a space where life’s challenges are met one stride at a time. For Lalida Maokhamphiou, that couldn’t be more true. What began as a way to cope with life’s challenges quickly transformed into a lifelong passion. The roads that were once an escape soon became a second home. Lalida rose in the sport. becoming a standout high school track star and an accomplished NCAA Division I runner, but one of her most personal triumphs came at the 2025 Boston Marathon, where she broke the three-hour barrier for the first time. Along the way, she’s discovered that every mile holds a life lesson—and now, as a high school running coach, she’s dedicated to passing that wisdom on to the next generation.

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Sometimes, the hardest hits in life don’t come from an opponent’s punch—they come from our own self-doubts. Haidon Allen was climbing the ranks in amateur boxing when he stepped into the ring with one of the world’s top 25 fighters. He left that match humbled, questioning everything, and ready to throw in the towel.

From youth baseball to high school football, Division 1 wrestling to MMA, he had always been chasing the best version of himself. Haidon had once before almost allowed his athletic journey to be defined by giving up and it wasn’t going to happen again. So what made him step back into the ring after that crushing defeat? The unwavering support of his biggest fans, his family. Haidon Vongsarvanhlao is a professional boxer from St, Helens, Oregon.

https://www.laoamericansports.com/haidon-allen

https://www.instagram.com/official_haidonallen/

https://www.facebook.com/haidon.allen

Music: summer of 1984 by RKVC