Hoop for Hearts Bridge Build: Making a Difference Through Sports

Hoop for Hearts is a student-led, community-driven initiative that channels the power of sports to create a meaningful long-term social impact for underprivileged communities. Founded by passionate athletes committed to making a difference, the project raises funds through basketball tournaments and creative merchandise, ensuring each and every donation directly contributes to a change. This year's medal inscribed with “play for something beyond yourself,” embodies the project's message: there is always more to give.

From 2024-2025, Hoop for Hearts’ main goal was constructing a bridge for the Mlabri community. This infrastructure is designed to enhance the safety of students, improve accessibility of transport, and foster long-term development in the community. In fundraising for this initiative, we organized our third annual 3x3 Basketball Tournament, labeled as the Children’s Day Event.

The essence of the annual Hoop for Hearts Tournament is aimed towards giving everyone a memorable experience while also nurturing the sporting skills of Concordian students.

It is more than just a competition, as it strives to teach Concordian athletes to become respectful, passionate leaders that show love for the game. Families, friends, and teachers came together and supported us in our cause! Special thanks to families, friends, and teachers who came and made everything possible! On January 18th, our team traveled up to Nan-province for a full day of on-site work at the community.

The student-led event took place on January 11th 2025 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Concordian’s SC Gym and featured 3 divisions: the Rookie (G4-5), Junior Varsity (G6-8), and Varsity (G9-12).

Alongside our Bridge Build project, we launched three additional efforts in making it a worthwhile trip: Basic Necessities Donation — In collaboration with the GivingStars, we organized a donation drive for essential supplies, Education Enhancement — Rita (G9’s) project that worked to improve education for the Mlabri, and Sustainable Livelihood — Planting 100 banana trees and mulberry trees allowing the Mlabri to self-sustain themselves and also as an opportunity for generating income.

Our time at the community was rewarding as we got to witness the community growth and progress made over the past two years! We explored and identified new areas of future development, and, most importantly, had a memorable experience that will stick with us and them forever.

Ken, G11, Hoop for Hearts Founder

MotoSurf Outstanding Athlete of the Year

Motosurf is a high-speed water sport that involves racing on motorized surfboards where riders navigate through a course marked by buoys.

In April 2024, I competed in the first race of the Motosurf World Championship 2024 in Fujairah, UAE. After months of training and preparation, I secured first place, making history as the first Thai athlete to win a race in the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).

The season continued with ups and downs. In August, I finished second in Sweden, maintaining strong rankings in the championship. However, setbacks came with engine failures in Croatia and Italy, after that I had a major crash in Macau, which gave me a concussion. But luckily that was the last race of the season.

Despite the challenges, I received the incredible news - I had been named Outstanding Athlete of the Year by the Thai association for the third year. Petch, G11