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September 24, 2021
Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and his non-profit, Giants of Africa, have announced a multi-year, 100-court investment in the infrastructure of basketball throughout Africa. This physical investment in the continent continues the foundation’s commitment to creating opportunity for youth in Africa through sports, and harnessing the power of the next generation to propel the continent forward.
As part of the organization’s “Built Within” initiative, 10+ new courts will be built and refurbished in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso over the next three months. The remaining will be unveiled in years to come, strategically located in underserved communities.
Nigerian-Canadian Ujiri founded Giants of Africa in 2003 to improve the lives of African boys and girls through sport. Since launching in Nigeria, it has its footprint and programming across the continent, prioritizing skills training and personal development through basketball, health and wellness, leadership and social impact initiatives.
“Since we began investing in the future of sports in Africa over the last two decades, it became clear that camps and programming were not enough to create long-term opportunities for growth in sports,” said Ujiri. “These public spaces have the power to unite communities, build togetherness and improve quality of life for all people.”
Each court unveiling will include comments from community leaders and youth who will be using the courts, a welcome from local dignitaries, a motivational speaker and free basketball gear provided by Nike. In addition, NBA coaches and personnel including Jama Mahlalela, Patrick Engelbrecht, Patrick Mutombo, Sarah Chan, Godwin Owinje and Joe Touomou will conduct a basketball clinic to close out each event.
“Sports are one of the best ways that we can help our young people achieve their goals and I look forward to hearing the stories of the thousands of young people who will be able to utilize these courts to help make their communities stronger over the next ten years and beyond,” said Ujiri.
Through Giants of Africa, Ujiri has been a major force in the growth of basketball across the continent helping to build new facilities, provide gear and develop coaching via basketball camps. Over 100 players who attended these camps have gone on to attend high school or college in America and 25 have joined junior teams in Europe.
“Athletics can not only play a role in shaping the lives of future generations, they can also build entire communities,” said Lauren Gillian, Director of Partnerships and Community Relations at Sport Court, who are helping to provide the materials for the courts. “We are so pleased to be partnering with Giants of Africa as they work to increase long-term access to the power of sport to youth throughout Africa.”
The new courts will be built in partnership with Sport Court International, LLC, a pioneer in the concept of backyard modular sports surfaces. The MasterCard Foundation will be supporting the year’s efforts along with I AM GOLD.
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