Nigerian former basketball star, Masai Ujiri has described the recent unveiling of basketball court number 50 donated by his Giants Of Africa project as an ‘Unforgettable Milestone,’ which he is happy to see happen at King’s College, Lagos.
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Sports247 reports that Ujiri, who is the new president of Dallas Mavericks in USA’s National Basketball Association (NBA), added that he was also excited seeing that his non-profit project is creating an impact in Nigeria and other African countries.
Ujiri, who is also The Mavericks’ alternate governor and a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals advocate, added that he feels a sense of fulfilment in reaching the halfway point of his ‘Built Within’ project, which has a target to build 100 community basketball courts across Africa.
The former general manager of Toronto Raptors disclosed that it was remarkable that the organisation reached its halfway point earlier this week, with the opening of its 50th community basketball court at one of Nigeria’s most iconic schools.
Ujiri went on to declare the latest project as an achievement for all lovers, stakeholders and sponsors of basketball across Nigeria and Africa at large, then pledged to keep working hard until the 100th court is completed.
“Reaching court 50 is a milestone we’ll never forget. To be able to have our 50th court in Lagos makes this moment even more special. Nigeria is home, and King’s College is an institution I deeply respect.
“However, this milestone belongs to all of the communities across Africa who’ve welcomed us, the partners who have walked this journey with us, and the young people who will use these courts to grow, lead and discover their potential.
“We’re halfway to 100, grateful for how far we have come, and still fully committed to the next 50 and beyond,” Ujiri retorted gleefully.
Sports247 reports further that Ujiri personally unveiled the 50th ‘Built Within’ basketball court at King’s College this past Monday (May 25th), with a well-attended ceremony that featured commendations from the principal, Mr. Magaji Zachariah Cheye, and the president of King’s College Old Boys Association in North America, Dr A. Val Odife.
Popular singers, May D, who happens to be a King’s College alumnus, and Mayorkun both performed during the ceremony, which was hosted by media personality, Ojinika Obiekwe.
Ujiri disclosed further that the court was built with support from an additional donation by FORTA Advisors.
The day’s activities also included a community basketball clinic for 50 boys and girls from King’s College and Queen’s College, while a women’s coaching clinic for 50 female coaches held the day prior at Avi-Cenna International School as part of Giants of Africa’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment through sport.
Sports247 also learnt that Giants of Africa launched ‘Built Within’ in September 2021 and it has already built courts in 16 countries across the continent, in a huge initiative that reflects the organisation’s belief that a court can uplift a community, unite youth and create opportunities for hidden talents.
Each court is developed in partnership with a unique community, shaped by its own culture, hopes and future ambitions.
Giants of Africa also announced ‘Dribble For Peace’ earlier this year, as the latest phase of ‘Built Within,’ which expands the programme into the continent’s Sahel region, focusing on communities facing conflict, instability and environmental decline.
Through ‘Dribble for Peace,’ Giants of Africa builds on its existing presence in Burkina Faso, Senegal and Nigeria, while expanding into Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger Republic, Sudan and South Sudan for the first time.
