Giants of Africa, a non-profit organization co-founded by Masai Ujiri, vice-president and president of the Toronto Raptors, announced the opening of a new basketball court at Londonderry School in Edmonton, Alberta, sponsored by Sun Life Canada, with support from the Toronto Raptors and the MLSE Foundation.
Ujiri said the tribunal, which is the first of its kind outside the African continent, marks a significant milestone in the 20-year history of the Giants of Africa and highlights the organization’s mission to empower youth and embrace the diversity of the African diaspora residing in Canada. .
“Our commitment has always been to harness the power of basketball to empower African youth and inspire positive change,” Ujiri said.
“By introducing our first Canadian court in Edmonton’s Londonderry neighborhood, we aim to create a space that nurtures talent, leadership, well-being and unity, in a community that serves young people from the African diaspora and beyond, right here in our own backyard. .
“The official court unveiling ceremony included a co-ed basketball clinic and life skills education session led by NBA staff and Giants of Africa coaches. “The remarks were shared by my special guests and community leaders,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Paul Joliat, Sun Life Vice President, Global Partnerships and Marketing Planning, said the organization supporting Giants of Africa aims to expand equitable access to spaces communities, helping to ensure that young people make healthy living a priority in their lives. .
“At Sun Life, we are driven by our purpose of helping Canadians live healthier lives. “Helping young people to be more active will have a huge impact on their mental and physical health for years to come,” Joliat said.
Vice President, Community Engagement and Social Impact, MLSE, Tanya Mruck, noted:
“The Toronto Raptors’ charitable arm, the MLSE Foundation, strives to enable the next generation to reach their full potential by providing quality sports programs, investing in like-minded organizations and creating safe places where young people can play.
“As long-time community builders, we believe in the power of place to unite communities through sport and are proud to support the Giants of Africa in building their first ground outside the continent. »
“The basketball court will serve as a development center, providing a safe space for young people to hone their skills and develop values such as teamwork, leadership and resilience.”
Also speaking at the event, Darrel Robertson, Superintendent of Edmonton Public Schools, said, “We are grateful for the revitalized basketball court at the Londonderry school. Spaces, like basketball courts, are an integral part of a school community, where students come together to stay active, promote teamwork, improve skills and connect with each other.
“This vibrant new court will make a difference to the lives of students at Londonderry School for years to come. »
Giants of Africa said the Edmonton court is an extension of its commitment to build 100 courts across Africa; “To date, 29 new courts have been inaugurated in nine African countries. »
