How Sports Can Change the World – Inclusion and Sports

Deeshyra Thomas, Idris Aleshinloye, Sinduya Jeevaratnam, Lena Whooo (Mod.)

Sport is never just about competition. At its best, it creates spaces where community, participation, and empowerment can be experienced in tangible ways.

Accompanying the screening of »The Color of Strength«, actor and presenter Lena Whooo will speak with director Idris Aleshinloye, basketball player Deeshyra Thomas, and coach Sinduya Jeevaratnam about the social power of sport.

The conversation will focus on inclusion, visibility, and access. How are safe spaces created? How do communities grow? And what role do play, movement, and team spirit have in bringing people together? »The Color of Strength« is more than a film about basketball – it is a plea for humanity, representation, and the unifying power of community.

Idris Aleshinloye is a German-Nigerian director, cinematographer, and documentary filmmaker. Through his platform IOA Documentary Films, he tells stories that make social realities visible while creating space for empathy and dialogue. Aleshinloye understands documentary filmmaking as a practice of listening and a catalyst for change. His work combines personal perspectives with broader social questions, creating films that invite audiences to see the world from new angles. »The Color of Strength« exemplifies this approach – a cinematic plea for visibility, participation, and the transformative power of community.

Deeshyra Thomas is one of the key players at ALBA BERLIN and was named MVP of the DBBL Finals in 2024. Alongside her career as a professional basketball player, the German-American point guard works as an early years educator and is committed to inclusion and social participation.

Sinduya Jeevaratnam is a basketball coach, project manager, and part of the »HereToHoop« initiative at Türkiyemspor Berlin. Through free programmes for girls and FLINTA* people, she advocates for accessible participation, community building, and greater visibility in sport.

Lena Whooo works across acting, presenting, and performance. Whether at TEDx, in the theatre or through workshops, her work brings together different perspectives while creating spaces for dialogue and encounter.

The panel will be followed by a screening of »The Color of Strength«.