Of hoops and health

Sun Life Philippines recently unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court in the Legacy of Light Village, a resettlement model community that the Sun Life Foundation helped develop in Calauan, Laguna.

This is part of the Hoops + Health program, a P40 million partnership with Beyond Sport, a global sport-for-social-change organization.

The program aims to leverage the power of basketball to encourage physical activity and promote healthier lifestyles by renovating basketball courts across Asia.

The basketball court has been transformed with fresh coats of paint, upgraded facilities and new basketball hoops.

More than just a physical renovation, this initiative represents Sun Life’s commitment to fostering healthier communities by improving access to physical activity.

The revitalized court provides a safe and accessible space for individuals of all ages to engage in basketball and other physical activities, promoting overall health and well-being.

In addition, the program will deliver an educational program for local coaches to learn about nutrition, physical activity, and protecting mental well-being. These coaches will then develop a basketball program to engage the youth in the community.

This initiative builds on Sun Life’s 3x3 Charity Challenge, held in August 2023, which raised funds for capacity-building support, program development grants, and infrastructure revitalization projects, including the basketball court renovation in Calauan.

“At Sun Life, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to achieve holistic health and wellness,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, chief client experience and marketing officer of Sun Life Philippines. “By partnering with Beyond Sport, we are harnessing the unique power of basketball to not only encourage physical activity but also to foster community spirit and contribute to a healthier future for Filipinos.”