Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

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.

Short Term Loans in Australia: Practical Insights for Borrowers and Finance Professionals

Short term loans play a crucial role in Australia’s personal finance landscape. They are designed to cover short-term expenses, unexpected bills, ...

Best EPD Consultants in Australia

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) play an increasingly important role in the Australian construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure sect...

I/O Controller And Its Role In Modern Industrial Automation

Industrial automation relies on a range of advanced technologies to ensure precision, speed, and reliability in day-to-day operations. Among these t...

Hydraulic Systems And Their Importance In Modern Industry

A hydraulic system plays a vital role in powering machinery, controlling movement, and delivering high-force performance across countless industrial...

Why Australian Businesses Are Having a Second Think About Digital Growth

Running a business these days is a whole lot different to how it was even a few short years ago. Customers are better informed, there's more competi...

Restaurants Risk Compliance Issues Amid Commercial Plumber Shortage

As demand for housing, roads and facilities increases, so does the demand for trade workers. According to Infrastructure Australia, the construction i...

The Importance Of A Professional Medical Fitout Melbourne For Modern Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare environments must operate with precision, efficiency, and a strong focus on patient comfort. A well-planned medical fitout Melbourne hel...

Top Safety and Comfort Features to Consider in Family Off Road Caravans

Exploring Australia’s coastline, bush tracks or outback locations is far more enjoyable when travelling in a caravan designed for both comfort and...

“Logistical Nightmare” – Rural and Remote Communities Supply Chain Nightmares

Australia’s road logistics need major reform to counteract the supply chain issues that are hitting rural and regional communities hard. With 80% of...

The Importance Of Quality Bait Boards For Boats To Enhance Fishing Efficiency And Comfort

Fishing enthusiasts understand that having the right equipment on board makes every trip smoother and more enjoyable. One essential accessory for an...

The Essential Safety Gear Every Tradesman Needs

Across industries like construction, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and welding, workers face hazards every single day. For tradesmen, having...

Best POS System Features That Boost Customer Experience

Source: Unsplash Starting and scaling a retail business is unlikely possible without an effective Point of Sale (POS) system. It is the tech heartbe...

Understanding SMSF Setup Online and Why More Australians Are Choosing Digital Fund Establishment

liManaging your own superannuation gives you greater control over investments, retirement planning, and long-term financial decision-making. As inte...

Double Carport: Complete Guide to Design, Cost, and Installation

A double carport provides practical, cost-effective protection for two vehicles whilst adding value and functionality to your property. Whether you're...

How External Blinds and Awnings Improve Comfort, Privacy, and Energy Efficiency

Outdoor comfort and protection are essential for homes and commercial properties, especially in regions with strong sunlight, high UV exposure, and ...

Worksite Comfort Upgrades That Boost Team Productivity

Jobsite productivity doesn’t depend solely on tools, training, or scheduling. It also hinges on something often overlooked: worker comfort. When e...

NDIS Occupational Therapy: Your Complete Guide to Accessing Support and Services

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping NDIS participants achieve their goals and improve their daily living skills. For people with disa...

How to Start Trading Futures in Australia: Markets, Margin and Regulation

Futures trading has become increasingly popular among Australian traders seeking opportunities across global commodities, indices, currencies and ener...