KINGSTOWN (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) – In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, communities know all too well the consequences of climate change. From floods to destructive winds, the residents have experienced damage to their homes, schools, and basketball courts. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, hope has taken root on the basketball court.
Between November 2025 and January 2026, with the support of the FIBA Foundation through its Propose a Project platform, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation launched Climate Hoops, an initiative that transformed basketball courts in Park Hill and Georgetown into spaces for both play and environmental learning.
The journey began with community consultations, led by environmental scientist Dr. Andrew Simmons, who shared simple, practical strategies to reduce the impact of climate change. Participants then put ideas into action, cleaning their neighborhoods, schools, and basketball courts while learning about the importance of caring for their environment.
Throughout the initiative, national players and coaches joined sessions to mentor participants on basketball skills and teamwork. Their presence bridged sport and community, showing that learning the game and protecting the environment could go hand in hand. Climate Hoops turned into a living classroom where generations connected, shared, and learned together.
Over 250 people directly participated, ranging from primary school children to secondary school students and parents engaged in agriculture. Another 100 community members benefited indirectly, observing, asking questions, and carrying lessons home.
The project fostered intergenerational learning, connecting youths, parents, and community leaders through basketball and shared responsibility for the environment.
The impact was immediate and inspiring as participants left with a deeper understanding of climate change, increased enthusiasm for basketball, and a strong desire to continue both learning and acting.
Climate Hoops had raised awareness in ways traditional approaches could not.
The FIBA Foundation’s support was pivotal. The Federation received financial support and Molten basketballs, ensuring quality training, refreshment for participants, and expert facilitation of sessions.
Climate Hoops is a powerful reminder that sport can be more than a game; it can be a catalyst for change. It shows that when basketball meets environmental consciousness, communities gain not only skills and knowledge but a renewed sense of hope and agency.
When basketball sparks climate action, meaningful change takes shape. Propose a Project 2026 is now open until March 1 for organizations ready to transform passion for the game into measurable impact.
Apply here to get support from the FIBA Foundation.
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The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports and particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.
The FIBA Foundation believes that basketball has the power to empower, educate and inspire youth and facilitates this by implementing Basketball For Good projects around the world.
FIBA