Philippines (September 2024) – Sun Life’s Hoops + Health program, in partnership with global sport-for-social-change organization Beyond Sport, has helped over 14,000 kids and communities get active in 2024.
Rolled out in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, the program focused on three key areas – improving access to physical activity with renovated basketball courts in underprivileged areas; engaging local communities, coaches, and Sun Life employees through court opening events, volunteering days, and workshops; and inspiring young people to be more active through free-to-access basketball sessions.
Following the 2022 research by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance which found a worrying lack of physical activity amongst children aged 6-17 across Asia, this prompted a need to improve health outcomes for underserved youth.
In the Philippines, Sun Life transformed the basketball court in the Legacy of Light Village in Calauan, Laguna. The court underwent significant refurbishment work including surface repairs, installation of durable tiled court covering, and the construction of a new fence. To date, the Hoops + Health program has supported 3,490 young Filipinos.
“At Sun Life, we recognize the vital role that sport plays in keeping young people active, healthy, and engaged,” said David Broom, Chief Client and Distribution Officer at Sun Life Asia. “Our Hoops + Health program is all about creating spaces where everyone can access coaching and training. We hope these revitalized basketball courts will continue to be the beating heart of these local neighbourhoods, as we make positive strides towards nurturing a healthier, more active generation in the Philippines and across Asia.”
Fred Turner, Executive Director at Beyond Sport, emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of sports, “Sport is not only a fantastic way to stay active and healthy, but it also imparts valuable life skills that extend beyond the court. However, the ability to access these benefits hinges on the availability of proper coaching infrastructure and facilities. The collaborative Hoops + Health program is dedicated to empowering local communities through sport, providing children and adults with safe and functional spaces for learning and development.”
“It is our core purpose as a company to help people live healthier lives,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer at Sun Life Philippines. “By encouraging active lifestyles, Sun Life hopes to create a ripple effect of positive health outcomes for more generations.”
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