Raising their game
Sports and education development initiative takes root in rural Yunnan
On Monday, Zhao coached members of the school's basketball team, running drills in shooting, dribbling and tactics, as well as organizing a match between the boys' and girls' teams.
Luo Xinglong, a 12-year-old fifth-grade student, shared that he began watching CBA matches following Zhao's visit two years ago, gradually improving his basketball skills and eventually becoming the captain of the school team.
"I love the feeling of my teammates cheering for me when I score during the games," Luo said.
Last year, Luo, along with some teachers and his fellow schoolmates, were invited by Puma to travel to Shanghai, where they visited various exhibits at the 2023 China International Import Expo.
The trip also included visits to attractions such as the Shanghai Natural History Museum and the Shanghai Astronomy Museum to broaden their horizons.
"We hope such endeavors will open up more possibilities for the children," said Wang Qi, head of the charity program.
Wang mentioned that, at the program's inception, Puma only donated supplies including uniforms, shoes and sports equipment. Later, they selected staff from their Shanghai headquarters to serve as volunteers who would visit the school for a week as teachers, conducting special interest classes.
