Empowering Change Through Sport 

In 2023, leading financial services company, Sun Life partnered with Beyond Sport to launch the “Hoops + Health” program to help Asian youth live more active lives.

With a goal to positively impact thousands of young people, the regional community program operates in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. In five of these regions, Hoops + Health revitalized basketball courts in underprivileged areas, creating state-of-the-art spaces that are free to access for the community.

The program also offers targeted coaches training that is leading to improved physical activity levels and mental wellness. Workshops and youth clinics led by local partners are supporting learning through play and fostering a sense of connection.

About Us

Sun Life is a leading global financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

They serve millions of clients across multiple markets, including Canada, the United States, Asia and beyond, offering trusted guidance and solutions through every stage of life.
Beyond Sport is  global nonprofit foundation dedicated to using the power of sport to drive positive social change, promote equity and strengthen communities around the world.

Since 2008, they have championed the intentional use of sport and physical activity as a force for good — helping address pressing social issues, expand opportunity and foster inclusion through strategic funding, partnerships and capacity‑building support.
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Why We Exist

Healthier lives for youth in Asia through basketball

Young children and adolescents are facing serious health issues across Asia due to low levels of activity and sedentary behavior. Many marginalized youth in the region face a simple barrier: having a safe space to move and play.

Basketball, one of the world’s most popular sports, offers numerous benefits for healthy development. The fast-paced game incorporates strength, speed and coordination, is widely accessible and has low barriers to entry. That makes it an ideal platform to support long-term wellness behaviors and teach life skills such as teamwork and focus.

Why We Exist

Healthier lives for youth in Asia through basketball

Young children and adolescents are facing serious health issues across Asia due to low levels of activity and sedentary behavior. Many marginalized youth in the region face a simple barrier: having a safe space to move and play.

Basketball, one of the world’s most popular sports, offers numerous benefits for healthy development. The fast-paced game incorporates strength, speed and coordination, is widely accessible and has low barriers to entry. That makes it an ideal platform to support long-term wellness behaviors and teach life skills such as teamwork and focus.

The Problem

Across Asia, young people aren’t moving enough — and that can have serious consequences for their health. The 2022 Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance report, sponsored by Sun Life, shows that many aren’t hitting the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day, putting them at greater risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and mental health challenges.

Some of the region’s stats really stand out: Hong Kong and Malaysia received a D-, while Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam scored an F — meaning fewer than 1 in 5 are meeting daily activity guidelines.

But here’s the exciting part: this is an opportunity for change. Fun, engaging and inclusive programs can make a huge difference — and with the next global report arriving in 2026, we’ll get fresh insights and new findings to help coaches and partners take action and make an even bigger impact.

We’ll update this page with fresh findings from the 2026 report to guide coaches and partners in creating even greater impact.

How It Works

Hoops + Health uses a collaborative community-based approach that provides safe and accessible spaces that are vibrant and inviting for physical activity.

Training workshops are helping coaches use sport to teach young people vital health and wellness topics such as nutrition, the benefits of exercise and mental wellbeing. In turn, coaches are inspiring kids to live more active lives while nurturing a sense of community during free Hoops + Health youth basketball sessions. This is all supported by basketball equipment donations that are helping schools and community groups get more young people involved.

Building on Hoops + Health’s successful first year, Sun Life increased its investment from $1 million to $1.5 million CAD in 2025. Beyond Sport and Sun Life have a continued commitment to growing the program.

Empowering Coaches and Local Partners

Equipping coaches with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to confidently deliver engaging, high‑impact basketball sessions that promote health, wellbeing and community impact.

Take the next step

This coach education platform is designed for coaches and teachers working with young people aged 6–21, regardless of experience level. Using basketball as a vehicle, the platform supports healthy living rather than performance outcomes. Coaches are encouraged to apply the learning flexibly, adapt content to their own sessions, and use it alongside other coaching resources to strengthen their practice and impact.