Under the ‘Built Within’ initiative, the Giants of Africa pledged to construct 100 basketball courts across Africa. The most recent, and 31st, was unveiled in Rubavu District, Rwanda, making it the 7th in the land of a thousand hills.
Giants of Africa (GOA), in collaboration with the District of Rubavu and the Rwanda Basketball Federation, celebrated the launch of a newly renovated basketball court at Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle on September 9.
Rubavu, a district known for its abundant talent in various sports but currently without a basketball team in any league, was in line to receive a modern court so that its talents can be nurtured.
In their customary court unveiling ceremony, the Giants of Africa hosted a youth basketball clinic beforehand. The clinic was led by a team of coaches from Canada headed by Sarah Chan, alongside local coaches under the direction of Moise Mutokambali, the National Technical Director.
In his welcome speech, the mayor of Rubavu expressed heartfelt thanks to the Giants of Africa for their substantial support in making this project possible.
“I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Giants of Africa for their general support in making this project a reality. Your dedication to using sports as a tool for positive change is truly inspiring, and we are honored to be part of this impactful journey.” Said Mayor Prosper Mulindwa
On behalf of the Rwanda Basketball Federation, Mr. Désiré Mugwiza extended thanks to Masai Ujiri for continuously inspiring African youth to dream big and strive to become giants.
“We are deeply grateful for Masai’s Giants of Africa initiative and its vision and dedication to uplifting the communities in our country and across the African continent, providing young athletes with the opportunity to dream big and become giants.” FERWABA President noted.
Speaking to the kids after the clinic, Mr. Mugwiza emphasized the values of sports and reminded them that the new facility can help them embody these values.
“Let this court be a place where you build the friendships, discover your true potential, and pursue your dreams with passion.”
Sarah Chan, the Toronto Raptors’ manager for Africa scouting, spoke on behalf of the Giants of Africa at the ceremony; she highlighted the impact of the new facility on the Rubavu community.
“We want to provide quality infrastructure that will benefit everyone in the community, particularly the youth who are so passionate about basketball, as we truly believe in the power of basketball’s ability to empower you both on and off the court.” Said former KPA center and now coach at GOA
Since its inception in 2003, Giants of Africa conduct basketball camps for boys and girls, build courts, and fund youth outreach activities on this continent.
Last year, on the occasion of celebrating the 20th anniversary, GOA launched three basketball courts in Kigali and Rwamagana as part of their ongoing journey to build 100 courts across the continent.
The Ministry of Sports sees this initiative as strongly aligned with Rwanda’s value of dignity. Rwego Ngarambe, the director of sports at the ministry, praised Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa for this remarkable effort, which reflects Rwanda’s principles of dignity.
“We want to thank Masai Ujiri and the team for the vision you shared with us. We are here raising giants. Built within resonates with something that Rwandans know very much, Dignity “Agaciro.” Homegrown solutions. Our visions are aligned.”
