In a significant stride towards empowering underprivileged children through basketball program, the Hi5 Youth Foundation has partnered with Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF). Together, they will construct basketball courts in Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.

 

This is the 5th and 6th basketball court developed with the support of STF. The two foundations have been collaborating since 2020 to build sports infrastructure in schools.

 

APSWR School, also known as Dr. BR Ambedkar Gurukulam School, is an all-girls’ school managed by the social welfare department of Andhra Pradesh. This is home to around 400 girls in grades 5 to 10.

 

Andhra Pradesh State Basketball Association (APSBA) conducts state camps in the school which is situated in Chittoor city. This marks Hi5’s second school program in Andhra Pradesh in partnership with APSBA.

 

The second court will be built in RKM School, Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh. Established in 1966, this school focuses on uplifting the underprivileged tribal community in the state through education, healthcare, and livelihood initiatives.

 

Hi5 Youth Foundation commenced its program at RKM in June 2023, with 200 children actively participating in daily training sessions. Recognising the need in this remote region, Hi5 is set to build a basketball court with support from the STF. The court will have synthetic flooring, providing unique opportunities in a challenging location.

 

Talking about this collaboration Sachin Tendulkar said, “Sports is a powerful tool that not only keeps children physically fit, but also builds character, self-esteem and confidence. It empowers children from marginalized backgrounds with the required skills that can help them win in all fields of life.”

 

He further added, “The expansion of our association with the Hi5 Youth Foundation to develop two more basketball courts for children in the tribal communities and girls in particular is one more step in our vision to transform India from a sports-watching nation to a sports-playing nation.”

 

Talking about the same Usha Sundar the founder of Hi5 Youth Foundation said, “We are thrilled to partner with the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation in our mission to promote sports and empower youth. Together, we aim to create inclusive spaces where young talents can thrive and communities can come together.”

 

STF is currently supporting 300 children at Hi5’s Tribal Centers in Maharashtra. The organisation has built two half courts and one full court in a remote village in Gujarat, and another full court at the Parivaar Education Society campus in West Bengal.