What we do

Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) Celebrates International Volunteer Day with Chowdhury Shahabuddin Ahmed (CSA) Community Leadership Excellence Award

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day, Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) takes great pride in presenting the inaugural “Chowdhury Shahabuddin Ahmed (CSA) Community Leadership Excellence Award” to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their communities. This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and outstanding service of the following recipients:

  1. Md Arîfbilláh (Bagerhat)
  2. Tonmay Chambugang (Moy Marak) (Habiganj)
  3. Noyon Ahmed (Kishoreganj)
  4. Deb Prosad Shil (Moulvi Bazar)

These exceptional individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion in serving their communities, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and leadership. The “Chowdhury Shahabuddin Ahmed Community Leadership Excellence Award” is a recognition of their significant efforts to make a positive impact through sports, contributing to the development of a brighter, more inclusive society.

This award, named after Chowdhury Shahabuddin Ahmed, seeks to honor both organizations and individuals who have shown exemplary dedication in using their time and passion to make a meaningful difference. SHI extends its heartfelt congratulations to the awardees and expresses gratitude for their outstanding service, inspiring others to contribute to the betterment of society through sports.

“From Waste to Play: SHI’s Sports for Joy Club Inspires Children in Recycling Education”

Encouraging children to embrace sustainability is not just a lesson; it’s a commitment to shaping responsible future citizens. At Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI), we recognize that instilling the importance of environmental conservation starts with education. Learning the significance of sustainability imparts a deeper understanding of the environment’s intrinsic value.

In our pursuit of promoting climate action, SHI has taken a proactive step by launching an initiative to educate children about recycling. We’ve pioneered the creation of recycled balls using repurposed plastic materials, turning waste into play. Through our Sports for Joy Club, we empower children by teaching them the art of crafting footballs from plastic waste.

This initiative is more than just a recycling project; it’s a holistic approach to environmental education. By engaging children in hands-on activities, we aim to foster a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment. Sports, coupled with sustainability education, not only brings joy but also cultivates a generation that appreciates the role each individual plays in protecting our planet.

At SHI, we believe that every recycled ball and every child educated about recycling is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future. Through our commitment to environmental education, we hope to inspire not just children but communities to adopt practices that contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.

“Building Bonds on the Field: Echamoti Girls Team and Mongol Chondi Girls Team Forge Friendships through Football”

In a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, the Echamoti Girls Team and Mongol Chondi Girls Team recently engaged in a friendship football match. Beyond the competition, this match served as a platform to foster social harmony and cohesion, emphasizing the power of sports to unite communities. Practice matches like these not only showcase the athletic prowess of the teams but also contribute to the development of meaningful friendships and healthy rivalries. Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) applauds the efforts of both teams in promoting not only the love for football but also the values of teamwork, friendship, and community building. This initiative is a testament to the positive impact that sports can have in bringing people together and creating a sense of unity. #shiBangladesh #UKSD #SFJ

“SHI Wheelchair Basketball Team Shines at National Championship”

Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) is delighted to announce the active participation of our Wheelchair Basketball Team in the National Wheelchair Basketball Championship. Organized by CRP and generously supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Bangladesh, this championship brings together teams from diverse backgrounds to showcase the spirit of inclusivity and sporting excellence. The SHI Wheelchair Basketball Team’s involvement underscores the organization’s commitment to promoting adaptive sports and providing opportunities for athletes with different abilities. We extend our appreciation to CRP and ICRC Bangladesh for their valuable support in fostering a platform where athletes can compete, collaborate, and celebrate the transformative power of sports. SHI stands proud as our wheelchair basketball team contributes to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of the National Championship.

“Our own Rashol Mia Triumphs: Secures Gold and Best Player Award at 1st Bangabandhu Open International Taekwondo Championship”

In a remarkable display of skill and dedication, Rashol Mia, representing BKSP, clinched the first position 🥇 at the prestigious 1st Bangabandhu Open International Taekwondo Championship. His outstanding performance not only earned him the gold medal but also the distinguished title of the Best Player of the Tournament. Congratulations 🎉 👏 are in order for Rashol Mia, and Sports for Hope and Independence Bangladesh extends heartfelt pride for his exceptional achievement. Rashol’s success serves as an inspiration, highlighting the talent and determination that propel athletes to new heights. His triumph resonates not only within the taekwondo community but also stands as a testament to the spirit of excellence and perseverance. Well done, Rashol Mia!

“Pele’s Legacy Lives On: SHI’s Heartening Celebration for Underprivileged Children”

Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) recently orchestrated a heartwarming celebration at Betaga, Bagerhat to honor the legendary football icon Pele on his birthday. The event was a beacon of joy for underprivileged children, providing them with a day filled with laughter, sportsmanship, and inspiration. SHI curated a memorable experience, featuring engaging sports activities, friendly football matches, and various games that captivated the children’s enthusiasm. Beyond commemorating Pele’s birthday, the celebration served as a powerful platform for SHI to instill the values of sports, hope, and independence in the hearts and minds of these young individuals. This gathering underscored the transformative influence of sports in uniting communities and uplifting the spirits of underprivileged children, fostering camaraderie and nurturing optimism for a brighter future. Through this celebration, SHI demonstrated its unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact through sports, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those at Betaga.

“SHI Athletes Shine on International Stage at Asian Para Games 2022 in Hangzhou”

Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) takes immense pride in announcing that our outstanding athletes, Noyan Mia (400m), Selim Reza (High Jump), and Rajib Hasan (Javelin), are representing the Bangladesh team at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou 2022. Their participation in this prestigious event not only reflects their individual prowess but also symbolizes the inclusive spirit and dedication to excellence fostered by SHI. As these athletes compete on the international stage, they serve as inspirations to us all, breaking barriers and showcasing the immense talent present within the para-sports community. SHI extends its wholehearted support to Noyan Mia, Selim Reza, Rajib Hasan, and the entire Bangladesh team, applauding their achievements and wishing them continued success in their endeavors. Together, they embody the transformative power of sports, transcending limitations and fostering a more inclusive world.

“Kicking Boundaries Aside: Amputee Football Camp by SHI with ICRC Support”

Football stands as a powerful remedy for individuals with disabilities, offering not just physical activity but also a profound psychological healing. Recognizing this, Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) proudly announces its participation in a week-long amputee football camp that commenced today. This impactful initiative, made possible with the generous support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Bangladesh, exemplifies the potential of sports in transcending limitations. The camp not only provides a platform for individuals with disabilities to push their physical boundaries but also serves as a testament to the resilience and strength inherent in each participant. Sports for Hope and Independence extends sincere gratitude to ICRC Bangladesh for their invaluable support, affirming the transformative power of football in fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and healing.

Promoting Independence through Wheelchair Basketball

Bangladesh has an estimated 16 million person with disabilities persons, accounting for 10% of the country’s population.  In 2004, the prevalence of disability was approximately 6% among those under the age of 18 and approximately 14% among those over the age of 18.  People with disabilities in Bangladesh have a right to government assistance, however programs have been limited in scope and limited to urban areas, and the issue of disability has not been integrated into general development programs.

 According to the World Bank, there were 13.6 million individuals with disabilities in Bangladesh in 2004, including 3.4 million children and 10.2 million adults (“Disability in Bangladesh”, 2004). These figures must have skyrocketed in 2023. There are several educational, medical, and rehabilitative organizations and government facilities, but none that provide sporting facilities.

Persons with impairments frequently confront societal impediments, and in many communities, disability elicits unfavorable judgements and prejudice.  Persons with disabilities are typically excluded from education, employment, and communal life as a result of the stigma associated with disability, depriving them of opportunities critical to their social development, health, and well-being. Persons with disabilities are typically considered reliant and unable in various societies, promoting lethargy and causing individuals with physical disabilities to feel limited mobility beyond the cause of their affliction.

Sport can help lessen the stigma and discrimination associated with disability by changing community attitudes towards people with disabilities by emphasizing their abilities and decreasing the inclination to view the disability rather than the person. People with disabilities can participate in sports. Disabilities connect well with people with disabilities, forcing them to rethink their ideas about what people with disabilities can and cannot do.

Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) believe sports is the best gateway to integrate and reintegrate the person with disabilities in the society. It empowers people in way that it overshadowed the expectation to them. Wheelchair Basketball inspire people to push their limits and become part of sporting community.  SHI in Collaboration International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Bangladesh conducted two weeks wheelchair basketball camp to empower person with physical disabilities.

Sohed Islam Said “I am a victim of road traffic accident which resulted Spinal Cord injury. I am a full-time wheelchair user; my life will be limited inside the house. But after joining the Wheelchair Basketball camp I found that I can do many things on own. I am having best time of my wheelchair life. I am learning new skills every day, making friends, have fun and challenges them to do tasks. “

CSA football Academy participated in U-15 district football Championship.

CSA Football Academy (Chowdhury Shahabuddin Football Academy) a football academy of Sports for Hope and Independence Bangladesh played their first U-15 Moulvi Bazar district championship match against Potonushar Football Academy yesterday. Even though our boys played well but we lost the match. #shiBangladesh is incredibly proud of our boy’s effort. our sincere gratitude to Chowdhury for their continuous support to make this happen.