A student-led charity basketball tournament in Florida has raised more than $100,000 to support youth sports infrastructure projects in Kenya and community development initiatives in the United States.
The event, organised by youth non-profit PureHealth World, took place on March 1 at The Benjamin Upper School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and brought together students, families and local sponsors to raise funds for sports and education initiatives.
Proceeds from the event will support development projects at Kijana Global Innovation School in Kenya, initiatives run by Kids Around the World, and community programmes at Place of Hope in South Florida.
The fundraising initiative highlights growing youth-led philanthropy connecting communities across continents through education, sports and social development projects.
Basketball Tournament Draws Strong Community Participation
The flagship event, known as Hoops for Hope, featured a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with age divisions ranging from under-eight players to high school students.
A total of 28 teams participated in the competition, drawing approximately 200 participants and supporters to the event.
In addition to the basketball matches, the programme included raffles, food and beverage stalls, and a half-court shooting competition, all designed to raise additional funds for the charity projects.
Organisers said the event was structured as a “kids for kids” initiative, encouraging young people to take leadership roles in organising community events that support children facing social and economic challenges.
Connecting US Communities to Projects in Kenya
A significant portion of the funds raised will support infrastructure and sports facilities for students at Kijana Global Innovation School in Kenya.
The school partners with international organisations to expand access to education, technology and recreational facilities for students in underserved communities.
Funds from the event will help advance the construction of a media centre currently under development, as well as contribute to the building of sports courts and playgrounds to support student activities.
Student organiser Xander Klein, a junior at The Benjamin Upper School and founder of PureHealth World, said the event was designed to mobilise young people to support global development initiatives.
“The community’s support is a testament to our shared belief in a world where every child has the chance to play, grow, and succeed,” Klein said.
Personal Experience Inspires Kenyan Partnership
Another student involved in the project, Jack Hansen, visited the Kenyan school and witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by its students.
His experience at the school helped strengthen the partnership between PureHealth World and the Kenyan institution.
“After visiting the school myself, I developed a deep appreciation for the students, especially through spending time playing sports with them,” Hansen said.
“Many students improvise by making balls out of rolled-up T-shirts wrapped in yarn. As a member of PureHealth World, I’m excited about the possibility of helping Kijana finish their media centre that is under construction and to build sports courts and playgrounds in Kenya.”
Organisers say the project illustrates how youth exchange and travel experiences can strengthen global connections and encourage young people to support social initiatives abroad.
Supporting Community Development in the US
While a significant share of the funds will support projects in Kenya, part of the proceeds will also benefit local initiatives in the United States.
Funds raised will help renovate a basketball court at Place of Hope in Stuart, Florida, which supports children and families in need across the region.
The partnership with Place of Hope is being coordinated by student organiser Chase Atkins, also a junior at The Benjamin Upper School.
“My family has been long-standing supporters of Place of Hope and the transforming work they are doing in our community to keep siblings together and restore futures for children,” Atkins said.
“I am thrilled to continue this support through a partnership with PureHealth World.”
Growing Role of Youth-Led Philanthropy
Youth-led philanthropic initiatives have grown in prominence in recent years as students increasingly use sports, social media and community events to raise funds for development causes.
Projects like Hoops for Hope demonstrate how school communities can mobilise financial and volunteer support for both local and international initiatives.
The organisers say the programme also aims to inspire students to engage with global challenges and explore solutions that can improve access to education, sports and community infrastructure.
Klein said the success of the event showed the potential of youth networks to create tangible impact.
“Every gift and each of my peers’ involvement powers our infrastructure projects, which strengthen communities and fuel children with the chance to thrive,” he said.
Future Plans for Global Youth Initiatives
Following the success of the event, PureHealth World plans to expand its activities through additional fundraising initiatives and partnerships.
The organisation aims to continue connecting youth communities across countries, using sports and collaborative events to generate support for development projects.
Organisers say future programmes will focus on expanding sports facilities, supporting education infrastructure and promoting youth engagement in social impact initiatives.
By linking students in the United States with development projects in Kenya and other regions, the organisation hopes to demonstrate how community-driven initiatives can contribute to lasting social change.
