One of Nigeria’s biggest names in basketball, Masai Ujiri, will, from today, start a tour of some schools in Lagos, where he will unveil some basketball courts his foundation, Giants of Africa, has built for the institutions.
Giants of Africa is a foundation dedicated to enriching the lives of African youth through sports. Ujiri, who is the vice-chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors, announced at the weekend that the foundation would unveil four new basketball courts in his current tour of Nigeria.
The new courts are part of the foundation’s Built Within initiative, a multi-year investment in building and refurbishing 100 courts across the continent.
The group of courts to be unveiled this week in Lagos are located at Ijeshatedo Grammar School, a Community Park in Oworonshoki and also at Ilupeju Grammar School.
The foundation will also unveil a new practice court for the Lagos Warriors professional basketball team, with head coach, Colonel Sam Ahmedu and local community leaders.
Speaking on the initiative, Ujiri said: “I am so pleased that Giants of Africa has continued to show their firm commitment to developing talent in Nigeria.
“As someone whose life changed when I was introduced to the sport through happenstance, I know how imperative it is that we expose as many kids as possible to what’s out there. These courts are a great way to ensure that we foster as much potential as possible in our communities.”
Historically, one of the most difficult challenges for athletes in Nigeria, and throughout all of Africa, is the lack of quality facilities and equipment to foster their talents.
“The talent is there,” said Raptors’ forward and Nigerian, Precious Achiuwa.
“It’s about continuing to grow the game and providing the next great wave of young African players the coaching, facilities and equipment required to better themselves.”
Since 2003, Giants of Africa has used sport to help empower youth to dream big, hosting basketball camps and clinics for boys and girls in 17 countries across the continent.
Last month, Giants of Africa launched the 100-court initiative and unveiled facilities in Kenya and Tanzania.
SOURCE : Guardian
