Sun Life Philippines and Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc., in line with their commitment to help Filipinos live healthier lives, 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 PHP 40 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 inauguration event, held on February 28, 2024, at the Legacy of Light Village basketball court in Calauan, was attended by Sun Life executives, Sun Life brand ambassador Donny Pangilinan, Beyond Sport representatives, residents of Calauan, and national media.

The basketball court has been transformed with fresh coats of paint, upgraded facilities, and new, state-of-the-art 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 “Hoops + Health” 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 3×3 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.”

“Sport serves as a powerful instrument for positive social change,” added Beyond Sport Executive Director, Fred Turner. “We are proud to partner with Sun Life on this impactful project, as we transformed this basketball court into a vibrant space where the youth can develop their skills and lead healthier lives.”

By making physical activity enjoyable and readily available, Sun Life aims to serve as a catalyst for adopting healthier lifestyle choices, to potentially impact the generations to come.