New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) A large number of girls were among over 140 underprivileged school students, who participated in a basketball training program organised by 'ASSIST' on Wednesday.

The program in collaboration with Crossover Basketball and Scholars Academy will continue till Friday. It adheres to the theme of gender equity as more than 70 per cent of registered participants are girls.

The initiative is spearheaded by Kartikeya Goel, a Class 11 student at Delhi Public School, who is the founder of ASSIST, which provides underprivileged and special children with basketball training.

The program will be monitored by defensive player of the year, Alana Beard and coaches from Crossover Academy. The training sessions of wheelchair basketball would also be held separately for the students of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust.

The Canadian High Commission has extended support to the cause.

--IANS kk/in