Hope 81 Programs
In 2009, Hope 81 continued growing its base of pilot projects, involving over 100 new participants and reaching more than 400 beneficiaries, both inside and outside Japan. With the help of local sponsors & private donors, we were able to coordinate a trip for seven of Japan’s top street & pro basketball players (as the first-ever team from Asia) to play in the Quai 54 International Streetball Championship in Paris; we delivered 200 new & used uniforms and introduced the ‘Hope 81 Fitness Challenge’ to local schoolchildren in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea; provided a 6-month fitness/wellness course in Yoyogi Park (free of charge and open for all) for 30 Tokyo youth from 15 different countries; and participated in the International Peace & Sport Forum in Monaco, as the only grassroots NPO from East Asia.
Now here's a look at Hope 81's grassroots Leadership & Player Development programs:
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
RS2009 @ QUAI 54 (Bounce Magazine)
- impoverished communities in developing countries
- individuals lacking a sense of social inclusion (women, disengaged/disconnected groups)
- athletes & artists searching for career path
- international community members interested in cooperating with Japanese society
- Japanese society concerned that younger generation lacks motivation or direction in life
- increasing concern for environmental issues, but little opportunity for local action
- Japanese government looking for more hands-on approach to overseas development aid
- women given few chances to express themselves and share their voice in society
- lack of language ability, geographical isolation create feeling of indifference and disconnect
- connect local Japanese sport & design community members with leadership-themed projects:
- {ECO, Poverty Relief, Gender Empowerment, Health & Wellness, Cultural Exchange}
- local Japanese community innovates new projects across borders, engaging the global community, working to raise awareness and take action for social/environmental issues
- voluntary & competitive athletes looking to develop new skills
- youth athletes (HS, U18)
- aspiring amateur, semi-pro, pro athletes (19+)
- lack of visibility & exposure
- few chances for participation/inclusion at higher level (NCAA, NBA, Euroleague, Quai 54)
- negative perceptions and cultural stereotypes about Japanese athletes
- struggles with intercultural communication/language barriers/indifference
- lack of diversity limits player development
- stress the importance of playing together, and developing new skills across borders
- introduce new skills training from top international coaches
- increase opportunities for players to compete in top international camps, special exhibition games, elite tournaments, etc.
- help grow cooperation between grassroots & institutional level
- raise the national level of competition, conducting player development activities in key sporting communities throughout Japan