Over the next six weeks, around 50 kids in Kamloops will be Dunking for Diabetes for the first time.

They’ll learn how to prevent Type-2 diabetes, all while being taught about fitness challenges, nutrition, and healthy habits.

“Each week they’re responsible for adopting a new set of exercises or healthy habits such as hydration, sleeping habits, reduction of screen times,” said Matt Godin, Sun Life’s Manager of Philanthropy and Sponsorships.

“Every week, there’s a different set of challenges.”

The program began with a draft party last night.

“It’s important to instill these habits, but we want the kids to have a lot of fun too,” Godin added.

“I think by theming the program around the sport of basketball, it really does provide kids the opportunity and the motivation to learn these skills that are so important to help them be healthy.”

The program a partnership between Sun Life Financial, the Boys and Girls Club, the Toronto Raptors, and NBA Canada.