The Times Australia
News From Asia

.
Times Media

.

Sun Life & Beyond Sport promote healthy communities with the opening of basketball court in Wah Sum, Fanling, Hong Kong – part of "Hoops + Health" program

The revitalized court and upcoming coach education workshop is the latest in a six-country series to promote physical activity and mental health for Asian youth

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 June 2024 - Sun Life in partnership with global sport for social change foundation Beyond Sport, is excited to announce the opening of the newly refurbished Wah Sum Shopping Center rooftop basketball court in Fanling, the Northern district of Hong Kong.

The refurbishment is part of a broader HK$5.7 million "Hoops + Health" program between the two partners to promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles among underprivileged youth across Asia. After successful court openings in Laguna, the Philippines (February 2024), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (April 2024), and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (May 2024) the Hong Kong investment continues Sun Life's dedication to community engagement and elevating basketball as a platform for youth development.

Sun Life in partnership with Beyond Sport announce the opening of the newly refurbished Wah Sum Basketball Court in Fanling, the Northern district of Hong Kong.
Sun Life in partnership with Beyond Sport announce the opening of the newly refurbished Wah Sum Basketball Court in Fanling, the Northern district of Hong Kong.

In June, the court re-opens for the local community and residents to use free of charge. Our local partner, People's Place, a community shopping centre brand under the management of Gaw Capital, who actively promote the integration of sports, art and community through user-driven design, will manage and maintain the site for the residents.

The Wah Sum Basketball Court, one of the People's Place's "Home Courts" Series, underwent a comprehensive renovation to enhance its accessibility and functionality and now features a vibrant multi-color design. The refurbishment included surface repair and painting, as well as the installation of new backboards, hoops and nets. Situated in the heart of Fanling, it is poised to become a hub for recreational activity and community gatherings in the mixed-income residential neighborhood. It will serve as a vital free-to-use resource for nearby schools and NGO groups, including the local public estate basketball team, the Wah Sum Snipers, enabling the broader community to engage in sports activities and events.

Irene Ho, Chief Marketing Officer of Sun Life Hong Kong Limited, said, "We are delighted to revitalize Fanling's old basketball court into a lively and vibrant space that inspires individuals of all ages to embrace an active lifestyle. We are devoted to nurturing the next generations, providing local communities and youth with more space for activities. This can encourage them to have an active, healthy and positive lifestyle. Basketball is one of the world's most popular sports and it is beneficial to the public's physical and mental health development."

Alvin Lo, Managing Director of Asset Management (Mainland China & Hong Kong) of Gaw Capital, expressed that "Peoples' Place under the management of Gaw Capital is honored to work with Sun Life and Beyond Sport to build a healthy community, using creativity to renovate Wah Sum Basketball Court and inject vitality into Wah Sum Shopping Centre. We are very much looking forward to the upcoming coach education workshop and a series of youth basketball activities, which will demonstrate our pioneering efforts in promoting a healthy lifestyle through different means, using sports to unite the community."

In addition to the physical refurbishment, Beyond Sport's regional Hoops + Health Coach Education Partner, ASA Foundation, will conduct a coach education workshop in June, training more basketball coaches to support their youth development work. The workshop will enhance skills and knowledge in using basketball as a tool to promote health and well-being, enhancing the skills and knowledge of the coaches. Looking ahead, a series of basketball sessions for youth under 18 will be organized at the court from early July. These sessions will be tailored to cater to the needs of different groups of people, including low income or underprivileged families, girls and young people with disabilities. Sun Life will continue to promote active and healthy lifestyles and build a healthy and inclusive community.

Adam Burgess, Director of Programmes at Beyond Sport, said, "We are thrilled to unveil the refurbished Hoops + Health basketball court at Wah Sum Shopping Centre in Fanling in partnership with Sun Life, marking another significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to use sport to create positive social change. This dynamic court is now ready to stand as a community hub for people of all ages and abilities. We are so excited to see the long-term use of this safer and more accessible place to play."

Sun Life's investment in the program aligns with its broader initiatives in Hong Kong, including sponsorship of large-scale community events such as Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Champions and themed fun runs. As the base for Sun Life's Asian regional team, Hong Kong serves as a strategic hub for driving positive change and fostering meaningful connections within the community.

Hashtag: #SunLife永明 #Hoops+Health #SunLife #華心商場 #粉嶺 #FanLing #WahSumShoppingCenter #BeyondSport

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, Mainland China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.47 trillion. For more information, please visit .

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

About Beyond Sport

invests in organizations, programs and networks using sport to positively impact communities globally. Since 2008, the global foundation has provided over $9.5 million in grants to 384 initiatives across 75 countries in addition to in-depth capacity building support. Learn more about their partnership with Sun Life on the "" program across Asia.

About Gaw Capital People’s Place

"People's Place", under the management of Gaw Capital Partners, has begun to operate 29 community shopping centers in Hong Kong since March 2018. People's Place has creatively revitalized multiple community shopping centres and facilities, offering a diverse mix of retail options and restaurants, installing crucial public facilities, developing distinctive wet markets, and elevating traditional basketball courts to stylish sports hubs.

Our revitalized projects have added values to people's day-to-day lives. With the creative refurbishments that both embrace the local vibe and foster community bonding, we have successfully created unique and vibrant community hubs that engage the youth, adults, and elderly.

The Times Features

Will the Wage Price Index growth ease financial pressure for households?

The Wage Price Index’s quarterly increase of 0.8% has been met with mixed reactions. While Australian wages continue to increase, it was the smallest increase in two and a half...

Back-to-School Worries? 70% of Parents Fear Their Kids Aren’t Ready for Day On

Australian parents find themselves confronting a key decision: should they hold back their child on the age border for another year before starting school? Recent research from...

Democratising Property Investment: How MezFi is Opening Doors for Everyday Retail Investors

The launch of MezFi today [Friday 15th November] marks a watershed moment in Australian investment history – not just because we're introducing something entirely new, but becaus...

Game of Influence: How Cricket is Losing Its Global Credibility

be losing its credibility on the global stage. As other sports continue to capture global audiences and inspire unity, cricket finds itself increasingly embroiled in political ...

Amazon Australia and DoorDash announce two-year DashPass offer only for Prime members

New and existing Prime members in Australia can enjoy a two-year membership to DashPass for free, and gain access to AU$0 delivery fees on eligible DoorDash orders New offer co...

6 things to do if your child’s weight is beyond the ideal range – and 1 thing to avoid

One of the more significant challenges we face as parents is making sure our kids are growing at a healthy rate. To manage this, we take them for regular check-ups with our GP...

Times Magazine

Bring Efficiency to Businesses With Cloud ERP Solutions in Singapore

What is a Cloud-based ERP Solution? Cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions are an innovative way to manage a company's mission-critical operations. Traditional ERP systems have traditionally been on-premise, meaning they run insi...

Sydney's Finest: How to Identify a Top-Tier SEO Company

In the dynamic realm of digital marketing, the success of your online presence relies heavily on effective search engine optimisation (SEO). A pivotal force in this journey is the SEO company you choose. In Sydney's competitive business landscape...

The Concepts of IGCSE Physics

IGCSE Physics is an internationally recognized qualification that is offered to students in many countries around the world. It is a course of study that covers a wide range of topics related to physics, including general physics, mechanics, electr...

Beet Pulp as a Holistic Treatment for Horse Ulcers

Equine ulcers are a common problem in horses that can cause a lack of stomach acid protection resulting in erosive damage to the stomach lining. Stressful situations such as competition, travel, changes in diet and environment, illness and injury c...

The Role of a Buyer's Agent When Purchasing a Residential Property

Purchasing a residential property is often one of the most significant financial decisions an individual will make in their lifetime. In a dynamic and ever-evolving real estate market, navigating property listings, negotiating deals, and securing a...

Choose High-Quality Front Brake Pads for Your Vehicle

Front brake pads are essential components of a vehicle's braking system. They provide the friction that is needed to reduce the speed and stop the car when the driver applies pressure to the brakes. Without them, a car would not be able to slow d...