On August 13, Giants of Africa, an entity entirely devoted to enhancing the lives of African youth through basketball, and its co-founder Masai Ujiri, unveiled two modern Basketball courts at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwamagana district.

Giants of Africa, the Ministry of Sports, sponsors, and donors gathered together on the occasion of GOA’s 20th-anniversary festivities, which are currently taking place in Rwanda, to formally cut the ribbon and open the first basketball courts constructed by Giants of Africa in Rwanda but outside the Kigali City.

For more than two decades, Masai Ujiri’s GOA has been contributing not only to building courts but also inspiring the youth to dream big. Ange Vanessa Tumusiime, a senior 4 student at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, was initially sceptical since she has short-sightedness in her eyes. However, through basketball, she is very optimistic, and aims high both on and off the court.

“Growing up, most people doubted my ability to perform tasks and do anything. I joined basketball and told myself that no matter what people say about my eyes, my abilities, I was going to do what’s right for me.” Said Tumusiime

She added; “Basketball to me has been a place where my strengths and abilities are reaffirmed, where despite having eye issues, people believe in me and see me beyond any vulnerability both on the court and off the court. I was able to prove myself to people that surrounded me the power of belief and the pursuit of a passion. And, I dare to dream of representing my country on the national team and beyond.”

On the side of sponsors, Sarah Feinstein expressed her heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the vision a reality.

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a role in bringing this vision to life, from the founders and staff at ASYV to Masai, Melanie, the entire Giants of Africa team, and the dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly to make these courts a reality. And may these courts resound with laughter, determination and share dreams of all who find their way here.”

Speaking to Masai Ujiri, The President of Toronto Raptors and Co-founder of GOA, He expressed his delight at what they had accomplished in 20 years but said that for him, the following 20 years will be a challenge rather than a celebration.

He said; “This makes all of us happy. If I imagine what the last 20 years have been, I’m inspired to see what the next 20 is going to be. It’s going to be incredible.”

“I’m looking forward to the next 20 years. You know, like I don’t want to celebrate much but I understand, you know like what the significance is.”

The Rwandan government was represented by Madam Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Minister of Sports, who truly praised the GOA’s commitment to offering a platform for young aspiring players to become giants through their devotion.

“We are celebrating the achievement that will shape the future of our youth. This court symbolizes more than just a place to play basketball. it represents a space of inspiration, where talents are groomed into the fulfilment of dreams. Our gratitude is extended to Giants of Africa, who, through their dedication, have provided a platform for our young athletes to dream and become giants.” Said Minister Munyangaju

Giants of Africa has built a total of 28 courts in Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Senegal as part of the ‘Built Within’ initiative, a multi-year commitment to build 100 basketball courts across the continent. Another court will be launched this week in Kimisagara, Kigali City.

PHOTOS: Cyril NDEGEYA

The Festival gets underway on Sunday, August 13th, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Giants of Africa. The week-long event will blend culture, education, and entertainment through Basketball to educate while inspiring African youth to aim high.

4 years ago today, At the special event to launch the state-of-the-art infrastructure in Kigali, President Paul Kagame recognized various international basketball luminaries including Masai Ujiri, the general manager of the Toronto Raptors, for their involvement in growing Basketball in Africa through the “GIANTS OF AFRICA” initiative.

He said; “Africa has giants and we must carry ourselves as giants. The Giants are exceptional. When your actions are exceptional then that is who you become. This Arena was built to host the best basketball players of Rwanda and Africa, for them to train, play and win here.”  Insightful remarks by President Kagame during the inauguration of Kigali’s BK Arena.

In its four years of existence, the beautiful Kigali Arena has hosted all major continent Basketball competitions. And, on the horizon, is the Giants of Africa (GOA) Festival, which will bring together over 250 African Youths from 16 different countries for a weeklong extravaganza beginning August 13.

Throughout the week, kids will be treated to a specific basketball program while the spectators will also enjoy a mix of entertainment and sports.

According to GOA Festival programs, the youth, boys, and girls will go through a rigorous series of basketball clinics and leadership courses aimed to help them prepare to pursue their aspirations.

Giants of Africa is committed to its purpose of using basketball to educate and enhance the lives of African youngsters, as well as to inspire the next generation of leaders to Dream Big. Throughout the week, the spectators will be allowed to attend the festival celebrations and performances

The week’s festivities will begin with an exciting concert by the famous award-winning Diamond Platnumz. Intore Masamba and Sherrie Silver will also be performing.

Giants of Africa, which Masai Ujiri co-founded in 2003, has conducted basketball camps for boys and girls, built courts, and funded youth outreach activities over the past two decades.

Through their 100-court initiative, GOA unveiled a fully renovated basketball court at Club Rafiki last year as their programs emphasize education, empowerment, and leadership both on and off the court.

Youth from Rwanda, Cameroon, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Mali, DR Congo, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Somalia, and Botswana will take part in the week-long event.