The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF), under the leadership of President Suzette Jackson, has partnered with JEMS Environmental Group to implement an innovative climate action initiative known as Climate Hoops. The project is supported through the FIBA Foundation Basketball for Good programme and aims to address the impacts of climate change across communities using basketball as a tool for education, engagement and social change.
JEMS Environmental group is represented on the project by Environmental Scientist, Dr. Andrew Simmons. The overarching goal of Climate Hoops is to use creative and community-centered strategies to help mitigate the effects of climate change while empowering young people to take active roles in environmental stewardship. The project will be implemented in several communities across the country, including Campden Park, Park Hill, Chilli and Bequia. Planned activities include environmental workshops, climate risk
mapping, community consultations, tree planting initiatives and clean-up campaigns aimed at promoting sustainability and resilience.
Climate Hoops encourages participants to view basketball not only as a sport, but also as a catalyst for positive social and environmental change. Through structured engagement and hands-on activities, the project seeks to reduce the incidence and impact of climate change while fostering environmental awareness among youth and community members. On Saturday, December 20th, one such activity was held at the Chilli-Georgetown Hard Court, where youth from surrounding communities participated in an interactive session led by Dr. Simmons.
His address focused on raising awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change. Participants responded enthusiastically, engaging in discussion and proposing practical actions to help reduce climate change impacts in their communities. SVGBF President Suzette Jackson noted that the Climate Hoops project represents an important step in aligning sport with national and global climate action efforts, while also nurturing leadership and responsibility among young people.
The SVGBF and JEMS Environmental Group look forward to continuing the rollout of Climate Hoops activities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, strengthening community resilience and promoting a greener, more sustainable future through the power of basketball.
