This undated photo shows the basketball kids training with their coach in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /CGTN
An undated photo shows 13-year-old girl Aguolieha and her teammate in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, after basketball trainings. Playing for a team called the “Blackhawks,” the name comes from the totem of the Yi ethnic group, with the meaning to soar fearlessly. /CGTN
An undated photo shows 13-year-old girl Aguolieha (right) and her teammates in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, after basketball trainings. /CGTN
This undated photo shows kids pairing basketball finger spinning skills in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows kids pairing basketball finger spinning skills in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. /CGTN
Basketball is lifting these young boys and girls from mountainous Liangshan in southwest China's Sichuan Province out of their difficult backgrounds to achieve much bigger dreams. Aged between 8 and 13 years old, they all play for a local basketball team, the "Blackhawks", which comes from the totem of the Yi ethnic group, meaning to “soar fearlessly.” Despite their youth, they display slick passing skills and well-rounded basketball ability. Even though their playground surface is rough, they have beaten their peers in various competitions. Their coach, Waeramu, hopes that the children can use the sport to broaden their horizons and experience life outside of the mountains.