Sun Life Philippines recently announced the expansion of its successful Hoops + Health program. The move reinforces its commitment to fostering healthy and active lifestyles among Filipinos. Building on the positive impact of last year’s program, Sun Life will donate basketball equipment and gear to 130 schools across Metro Manila. The donation aligns with Sun Life’s 130th anniversary in the Philippines.
The Hoops + Health program drives Sun Life’s advocacy to help Filipinos live healthier lives. It runs in collaboration with global sport-for-social-change organization Beyond Sport. Basketball is hugely popular in the Philippines and can encourage physical activity. Therefore, Sun Life is contributing to grassroots sports development by giving schools the tools they need to get students moving.
Expanding Reach and Training
This year, the program is intensifying its efforts to promote active lifestyles among youth. It aims to engage 120 youth aged 7 to 16 over more than 200 training hours through six months of free weekly basketball sessions. Delivery locations have expanded from just Laguna in 2024 to Laguna, Pasig City, and Mandaluyong City in 2025.
The Sun Life Foundation and AHA! Behavioral Design helped identify the 130 schools. Moreover, the initiative recently ran virtual coach workshops with 51 Filipino basketball coaches. The workshops support them in educating an estimated 3,460 young people about health and wellness.
Each school’s donation package will include a variety of basketball essentials, such as basketballs, hoops, nets, and other training equipment. The goal is to remove barriers to participation and ensure the community has the resources it needs to engage in sports.
“We are thrilled to continue the Hoops + Health program as this embodies our mission to be a partner in the Filipinos’ journey towards a healthier life,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “Last year, we saw firsthand the enthusiasm and positive impact this initiative had on young people. By equipping more schools with quality basketball gear, we aim to inspire even more youth to embrace an active lifestyle, learn valuable life skills through sports, and build a healthier future for themselves.”
SOURCE: SUNLIFE
