An NGO, ‘Giants of Africa’ dedicated to enriching the lives of African youth through sports, has unveiled five new courts on the continent as it marks its 20 years anniversary.
The unveiling of the new courts in Somalia, Burkina Faso, Nairobi, Kenya, and the refurbishment of the court in Diwopa, Kayole, in Kenya, the first court built by the foundation in 2015 is the first in the series of events.
Giants of Africa co-founder, Masai Ujiri, who is also the Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, announced worldwide events taking place throughout the year in celebration of the anniversary.
Among activities, this year is the second annual AfriCAN event aims to advance Africa forward by uniting working professionals from the African Diaspora. The networking-style event, which will hold in Toronto, Canada, creates a community that not only celebrates its African heritage but also brings knowledge and resources back to the continent.
A second is an inaugural ‘Giants of Africa Festival’ to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from August 13 to 19. The week-long celebration of basketball, education, culture, and entertainment will unite more than 250 youth from 16 different countries that the foundation has visited across Africa.
The festival will use basketball as a tool to educate and empower African youth to dream big.
Meanwhile, it will be recalled that the foundation has built a total of eight courts in Nigeria including the recently unveiled courts at Gaskiya College, Egan Grammar School, the Ejigbo Mini Stadium, and the Abesan Mini Stadium all in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria.
Ujiri a former Nigeria D’Tigers star, in a statement, said “It has been humbling to reach such an incredible milestone and there is much to be proud of as we reflect on the last two decades. 20 years of service has only been possible because of the passion and commitment of every person and community that has come together to make Giants of Africa what it is today,”
“We’ve really only just begun. There is an understanding that we need to keep going and a desire to learn from our journey so that we can continue to help more. We are excited about the bright future as Giants of Africa continues to develop infrastructure and inspire African youth worldwide with programs focused on education, empowerment, and leadership, both on and off the court.” He concluded.
Hundreds of Giants of Africa alumni have received scholarships abroad including NBA player Precious Achiuwa of the Toronto Raptors, WWE Star Tolupe” Omos” Omogbehin, and countless others who have gone on to professional careers across a variety of industries.
