Sun Life Philippines is making bold strides in youth wellness and sports development with the expansion of its Hoops + Health program—an initiative that champions active lifestyles through basketball, the country’s most beloved game.
Celebrating its 130th year in the Philippines, Sun Life is marking the milestone by donating basketball equipment to 130 schools across Metro Manila. This meaningful gesture aims to bring the joy of movement and physical activity closer to students, while strengthening grassroots sports in communities that need it most.
The program, which first launched last year, returns in partnership with Beyond Sport, a global organization known for harnessing the power of sports to drive positive social change. Through this collaboration, schools will receive complete basketball kits—including hoops, nets, balls, and training gear—eliminating barriers to participation and nurturing a culture of fitness and fun.
But Hoops + Health is more than just a donation drive. The 2025 program is expanding with six months of free, weekly basketball training for over 120 youth between the ages of 7 and 16 in Laguna, Pasig City, and Mandaluyong City. These sessions will not only develop basketball skills, but also instill key values like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
To support long-term impact, Sun Life also hosted virtual coaching workshops for 51 local basketball coaches. These coaches are now better equipped to train and inspire an estimated 3,460 young athletes across their communities—creating a ripple effect of positive mentorship and healthy living.
“Hoops + Health reflects our mission to be a lifelong partner in helping Filipinos live healthier lives,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “We’ve seen how this program can energize young people and communities, and we’re excited to expand our reach this year.”
As Sun Life deepens its community roots, Hoops + Health continues to prove that sports can be a powerful tool for change. By making health and wellness fun, inclusive, and accessible, the program inspires the next generation to lead active, purposeful lives—on the court and beyond.
