By Jim Elliott | Project Leader
Introduction
Helping Hands School (HHS) is the focal point for our Sports Program. When introducing new coaches and activities, we practice together at HHS first. This means that the students are now very confident in their abilities, and mostly just look forward to practicing more every day. Many of them hope that sport will give them the opportunity of a better life in the future.
The coaches work hard to create new lesson plans each month, and have created strong bonds with all their students. They have become experts at balancing fun and discipline during class time. Now we can see the same skills and development in action at our partner schools too. For many students enrolled at Helping Hands School, the highlight of their daily routine is the sports class. Spending long hours sitting and studying indoors can pose challenges for some, making the opportunity to step outside and partake in physical activities highly cherished.
Outreach Schools
For the students at our Outreach Schools, just the chance to run around and play with their friends is what they appreciate. Due to the limitations that come with less space and resources, their classes are a bit more difficult to organise, but they understand and enjoy them regardless.
They will continue to thrive with more opportunities, and they would love to have some fitness equipment installed at their schools. We are hoping to bring more of our basketball and Khmer boxing sessions to them this year. The lack of space at some schools is a big issue, and we have made a plan for a possible community sports ground that could be multi-use and host classes in the future.
Goals For Girls
The Goals for Girls initiative aims to educate high school girls about leadership by integrating sports into the program. In Cambodia, girls are typically excluded from participating in "sports" and relegated to the side-lines once they reach a certain age. Goals for Girls empowers young women to reclaim the sports field and discover the various roles they can play, both on the field and in broader society.
We are very proud that the girls at Helping Hands School are now totally comfortable with playing sport, as it is often still considered culturally inappropriate, especially in rural areas. Visitors to our school are always impressed by the spirit of inclusivity and healthy competition they see in our sport classes.
The Children's Stories
Maly, a fifth-grade student at Peam Primary School, has been part of our sports program for three years. Her favorite activities are playing football and enjoying the games designed by our coaches. Maly feels more confident and has noticed that she is stronger, able to run faster and exercise for longer periods than before. She is incredibly proud of her progress and deeply grateful to her coaches for their support.
Sreynat, an 11-year-old fifth-grader at Neam Rup Primary School, has been part of the Sports Program for over three years. Through the program, she has made many wonderful friends, which brings her great happiness. She especially enjoys playing games and excels in running and racing. Sreynat is deeply grateful to her coach, Noy, who inspires her with her kindness and supportive guidance.
Reaksa, a sixth-grade student at Prasat Cha Primary School, greatly enjoys being part of the sports program. She described she loves every aspect of it, from warm-up exercises to games and football drills. The program has taught her many new skills and experiences, and she’s also had the opportunity to make great new friends and meet with many volunteers.
Thank You for Empowering Cambodian Youth Through Sports
We extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity in supporting our sports project in rural Cambodia. Your contributions are more than just funding—they are an investment in the health, confidence, and future of children who often lack access to structured play and athletic opportunities. Through sports, these young athletes build teamwork, discipline, and resilience—skills that will serve them well beyond the field. Your support not only fosters physical well-being but also inspires a sense of community and empowerment among these children. With your continued generosity, we can expand our reach, provide essential equipment, and create lasting opportunities for youth to thrive. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey—together, we are shaping a brighter future, one game at a time!
By Jim Elliott | Project Leader
By Jim Elliott | Project Leader
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