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October 7, 2022
Entries for Beyond Sport’s sixth annual Courageous Use of Sport Award presented by WWE are being accepted until October 31. In celebration, we are catching up with last year’s winners to give us an update on their community work and to provide words of wisdom for those applying for this year’s award. This week, we spoke to Mohamed Magassa from the Bronx, New York in the United States.
After overcoming hardships while growing up, Mohamed had a strong desire to give back to the young people in his community, helping them through volunteering and mentoring. He became the Co-Founder and President of the non-profit Humanity Optimism Opportunity & Diversity Inc. (HOOD), which is designed to guide and inspire individuals to shoot for their dreams and embrace diversity.
Mohamed shared that HOOD has taken great strides over the last year. They recently hosted their third Neighbourhood Hero Basketball Tournament (NHBT), which uses basketball to strengthen community bonds, champion essential workers and guide and inspire youth in the area to aim high as part of their Neighbourhood Hero initiative. During NHBT, people from marginalized communities play basketball against local police officers, school staff, sanitation workers and firefighters – all to recognize the people who work to maintain health and wellbeing daily. This year’s tournament took place in Washington Park, NY.
“We were able to get essential workers together with young adults from the community to play an energetic game. We are planning more tournaments outside of the city, but for now, our next one will take place in Brooklyn, NY!” said Mohamed, who also shared that the tournament may be coming to other US cities soon.
HOOD organization also visited NBA headquarters in NY, which turned out to be “a dream come true” for Mohamed and his team. “The opportunity came about from our relationship with Mr. Feinberg, a senior leader within their social responsibility team,” explained Mohamed.
“The visit to the NBA Headquarters was truly mesmerizing. We used to dream of days like that. Not only did we get a chance to see the Larry Bryant Trophy, but we were also able to meet the Commissioner himself, Mr. Adam Silver! We gained insight from and connected with different members of the league – it was truly eye-opening.”
The non-profit also conducted their second community Back-to-School Giveaway in collaboration this year with Camber Property Group and Assembly member for the 77th District of the New York State Assembly, Latoya Joyner. The organization gave 200 bookbags to families within the local Highbridge Housing Complex. “It felt great to smile with families and give back to the apartment complex.”
HOOD is currently working on building their Neighborhood Hero Mentorship Program (NHMP). “The mission of our NHMP is to expose local youth to Neighborhood Heroes and to explore professions that are necessary for a community to thrive. This program will enable neighborhoods to guide, inspire and enlighten young adults as they evolve into successful leaders.” In addition to this development, Mohamed shares that they have an online workshop with pilots coming up.
Upon winning the 2021 Courageous Use of Sport Award last year, Mohamed had a chance to speak with WWE superstar and Global Ambassador, Titus O’Neil. He describes that winning the award helped build new connections and the fund benefited local youth and Neighbourhood Heroes in his community.
He advises young leaders to apply for the 2022 award and “trust in yourself to think outside the box.”
Entries for the 2022 Courageous Use of Sport Award presented by WWE close October 31. Click here to learn more and apply.
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