PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Every year, Shooting Touch Boston (STB) invites girls, their families, and their fellow community members to enjoy basketball games, build community, and access health education and support at the annual Hoops for Health Basketball Tournament. This event aims to spread positive messaging around healthy life choices, gender equity in sports and in life, and community togetherness. While local high school girls teams battle it out on the basketball court, STB’s community partners provide everything from flu shots and blood pressure screenings to healthy snacks and winter clothing. Fulfilling the mission of using the power of sport for the greater good, Shooting Touch helps to uplift communities by putting health equity at the forefront.

PROGRAM GOALS:

• Increased access to health education and health services for Boston communities 

• Increased community togetherness for Boston communities

• Increased support for girls athletics and overall gender equity 

• Increased understanding of social, political, and economic issues relating to local Boston communities

Program Outcomes: 

• Provided 100 participants and 150 attendees annually with health services, resources, and education at Annual Hoops for Health Tournament

• Gathered various local partners (Stop and Shop, The Family Van, Abelard Psychotherapy, Inc., and Converse) to partake in community event

• Provided 100 girls with access to competitive basketball, as well as athletic gear and Converse sneakers at no cost