Backpacks and Basketballs: Team Ontario Basketball and Sunwing Foundation head to Montego Bay

Getting the ball rolling on your aspirations starts from anywhere.
This August Sisters Keeper Elite, a non-for-profit organization making education and athletics more accessible to underprivileged youth headed down and participated in Caribbean Hoop Fest in Montego Bay (August 17-22). Partnering with Sunwing Foundation’s Flying Start initiative, the Canada Elite Ontario Basketball women took time off the court to host a basketball camp with local children and aspiring athletes.
They didn’t arrive empty-handed though. Attending kids received a backpack filled with books, school supplies and athletic gear, packed last week at Sunwing’s head office by the team, family and friends. “Since 2012, Sisters Keeper Elite has worked to give young women the chance to develop their skills in basketball and steer them towards being contributing members of the community,” says Patrick Shaw, Founder, Sisters Keeper Elite Basketball. “Providing skills workshops and helping young women achieve their basketball dreams is at the core of our organization.”

The Canada Elite team, including Toronto homegrown athletes Aaliyah Edwards, Rebecca Demeke, Latasha Lattimore and Shyanne Day-Wilson, also had the chance to play against the women’s National Team, top U19 team and college team during their time in Jamaica.
“The Sunwing Foundation is committed to supporting youth and education projects in the destinations that we serve,” says Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing Travel Group. “It’s an honour to be able to support these young and talented women, as well as connect them with young, local aspiring athletes. This partnership only further embodies Sunwing Foundation’s determination to help young people tosucceed in both their education and personal development.”
This is the fourth initiative to take place since Flying Start’s inception in March 2018. Three other donations have taken place including 250 backpacks full of school essentials being send along with Toronto-based supermodel Stacey McKenzie to Jamaica in April.
The partnership with the Sunwing Foundation embodies the determination to shoot for the stars that Sisters Keeper encourages. The Flying Start Initiative will help kids in Montego Bay get the extra support towards reaching their aspirations.