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In 2023, we began the Hoops + Health program with global financial services company Sun Life to help youth across Asia live healthier lives through basketball. Due to growing health issues affecting youth across the region, and given the rise in youth diabetes, we felt that helping young people get and stay fit was critical.
The program directly addresses increasing sedentary behavior and physical inactivity levels in youth, using sport to foster community health and wellbeing. With the conclusion of our second year, and following the World Health Organization’s call to accelerate investment and partnerships that make it easier and safer for people to be physically active, we’re thrilled to see the program inspire more young people to play
Operating in the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, Hoops + Health is providing safe, refurbished spaces, coaching education, free basketball sessions and equipment, all with the goal of engaging local communities to contribute to a healthier, more active generation in Asia.
“We’re incredibly proud of how Hoops + Health has grown in its second year. Hearing stories from people who have been part of the program and are now giving back to others in the community shows the true impact of what we are doing and how much the program means to the participants,” shared David Broom, Chief Client and Distribution Officer at Sun Life Asia. “At Sun Life, we remain committed to helping people live healthier lives by investing in communities, removing barriers and empowering the next generation to get active.”
With an estimated 600 million players and more than 3.3 billion fans, basketball is one of the world’s most popular sports. That makes it an especially powerful tool to help kids get active and feel strong, while also offering opportunities to go beyond the game and teach valuable life skills. And for marginalized youth, who face additional barriers, this is particularly important.
“Through expanded youth programming, inclusive festivals and educational training adapted to each region, the program is reaching even more communities across Asia through the joy of sport, said Beyond Sport Executive Director, Fred Fikouhi-Turner. “We’re pleased to partner with Sun Life to use basketball to provide vital health and wellness skills that will last a lifetime.”
The results have been especially rewarding. From 2024 to 2025, youth participation increased by 250%, with close to 9 in 10 young people sharing that they now had more opportunities to be physically active because of the free basketball sessions. Additionally:
- 100% of youth participants surveyed have a better understanding of the importance of physical health and wellbeing.
- Across five locations, 5,000 community members now have access to state-of-the-art sports spaces to play, while strengthening connections.
- 87% of young people have learned new skills to improve their health.
- 173 coaches – collectively reaching almost 18,000 young people – have been trained on free, wellness-focused basketball activities; 94% of participating coaches believe that the skills they learned will have a positive effect on the youth they support.
- 175 schools and community groups are enjoying the benefits of donated equipment.
“When I first joined the Hoops + Health program, I was just looking for a place to play basketball, but it has turned out to be so much more. The program helped me improve my skills on the court, and also taught me about health, teamwork and self-confidence. I’m now interning as a coach, and I couldn’t be more excited to give back by sharing what I’ve learned through the program and passing on the power of basketball to others in my community,” shared Shanelle Lim, a participant in Singapore.
Beyond Sport is looking forward to building on this momentum with Sun Life and the local communities as the partnership continues!
Coaches and educators, take advantage of our free Hoops + Health Coaching Toolkits – including videos – via our program resources page. Available in English, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Chinese.
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