“People’s League”: How Halyk Helps Children Find Their Path Through Basketball

Halyk Bank, together with the National Basketball Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has been successfully implementing the social project “People’s League” among the pupils of sponsored orphanages and boarding schools throughout Kazakhstan for 16 years now.

In 2024, Halyk continued the good tradition. The People’s League is giving children hope and inspiration this year too.

Since February 2024, more than 364 children from 16 regions of the country have been actively learning to play basketball from professional coaches. The project involves pupils of sponsored orphanages and boarding schools from Atyrau, Taldykorgan, East Kazakhstan region, Turkestan region, Petropavlovsk, Pavlodar, Semey, Akkol, Ekibastuz, Karaganda, Almaty, Rudny, Kyzylorda, Shymkent, Uralsk and Taraz.

“‘People’s League’ is not just a sports project—it’s a social mission aimed at supporting and developing children facing difficult life circumstances. Understanding the importance of such initiatives, Halyk pays special attention to nurturing the younger generation. The project promotes a healthy lifestyle and organizes leisure activities for children from orphanages and boarding schools. We see participation growing every year: while last year around 290 children from 16 regions learned basketball, this year that number has already surpassed 360,” said Olga Vuros, Deputy Chairperson of Halyk’s Board and project curator.

Thanks to the “People’s League”, many children find their way in life, become famous and choose their future professions. The project has become a powerful incentive for them to study well and play sports, as well as a great opportunity to meet their peers and demonstrate their achievements to coaches and judges of international class.

Thus, over the entire existence of the project, more than 3.5 thousand children have passed through the “People’s League”, over 50 of them are candidates for Master of Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, three are Masters of Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In addition, graduates of orphanages and boarding schools who took part in the People’s League continue their sports careers both as players in professional clubs and as basketball coaches.

The result of long training will be the “Cup of Hope” championship. This year it will be held on June 18. 24 teams will come to the southern capital to show what they have learned and compete for the title of the best team.

“‘People’s League’ is a unique and significant project that has a major impact on the development of children facing difficult life circumstances. We are proud to be part of this initiative, which not only promotes sports but also inspires children toward a better future. Each year, we see an increase in both participants and their athletic achievements. More than 3,500 children have gone through this project, many of whom have become candidates or masters of sport in the Republic of Kazakhstan and continue their careers in professional clubs and coaching. This project not only teaches basketball but also helps shape children as individuals, giving them opportunities to excel and build successful careers. We thank Halyk Bank for their support and partnership in this important work and eagerly anticipate the upcoming ‘Cup of Hope’ championship, which will bring together the best teams from across the country,” said Almaz Uzakov, Secretary General of the Kazakhstan Basketball Federation.

This project is a shining example of Halyk’s social responsibility and contribution to the future of the nation, demonstrating that sport can be not only entertainment, but also a ladder to new heights in life for the young generation of Kazakhstan.

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