Giants of Africa, a non-profit organization co-founded by Masai Ujiri, vice-chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors, has announced the inauguration of a new basketball court at Londonderry School in Edmonton, Alberta, funded by Sun Life Canada and supported by the Toronto Raptors and the MLSE Foundation.
According to Ujiri, the court, the first of its type outside of the African continent, represents a key milestone in Giants of Africa’s 20-year existence and emphasizes the organization’s objective to empower adolescents and accept the broad 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 in a statement.
“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 the youth of the African diaspora and beyond, right here in our own backyard.
“The official court unveiling ceremony featured a co-ed basketball clinic and life skills education session conducted by NBA personnel and Giants of Africa coaches. Remarks were shared by my special guests and community leaders,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Sun Life’s Vice-President, Global Partnerships and Marketing Planning, Paul Joliat, said the organization supporting Giants of Africa was to expand equitable access to community spaces, which helps to ensure youths make healthy living a priority in their life.
“At Sun Life, we are driven by our purpose to help Canadians live healthier lives. Guiding youth to be more active will have a tremendous impact on their mental and physical health for years to come,” Joliat said.
Vice President, Community Engagement & Social Impact, MLSE, Tanya Mruck, remarked:
“Toronto Raptors’ charity, MLSE Foundation works to empower the next generation to reach their full potential by delivering quality sports programming, investing in like minded organisations, and creating safe places for youth to play.
“As long-standing community builders, we believe in the power of place to unite communities through sport and are proud to support Giants of Africa in their first court build off the continent.”
“The basketball court will serve as a development hub, offering a safe space for youth to hone their skills and develop values like teamwork, leadership, and resilience.”
Darrel Robertson, Superintendent of Edmonton Public Schools, also spoke at the ceremony, saying, “We are grateful for the revitalized basketball court at Londonderry School.” Spaces, such as basketball courts, are important aspects of a school community because they allow kids to keep active, foster collaboration, improve skills, and interact with one another.
“This vibrant new court will make a difference in the lives of Londonderry School students for years to come.”
The Edmonton court is part of Giants of Africa’s pledge to create 100 courts across Africa; “to date, 29 new courts have been unveiled in nine African countries.”
