Giants of Africa, the non-profit organisation co-founded by Toronto Raptors Vice-chairman and President, Masai Ujiri, returned to Lagos, Nigeria to host a youth basketball clinic at Ilupeju Grammar School where they unveiled a basketball court in 2021.
The clinic welcomed Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who shared remarks with the youth and participated in on-court activities. In addition, through their non-profit organisation, the Archewell Foundation, they made a commitment to donate to Giants of Africa, supporting the construction of a new basketball court in Abuja, Nigeria.
This contribution bolters to the organization's ambitious initiative, 'Built Within,' a multi-year, 100-court investment in sports infrastructure across Africa.
"We are grateful to be joined by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at this basketball clinic here in Lagos," said Masai Ujiri. "Basketball has the power to unite communities and inspire young people to reach their full potential. Teaming up with the Archewell Foundation, we look forward to creating experiences for young people, empowering them to become leaders, while also fostering pathways to opportunity and hope."
The basketball clinic participants included boys and girls from Ilupeju Grammar school, along with wheelchair basketball athletes from the Spinabifida and Hydrocephalus Association in Nigeria.
Local Giants of Africa coaches, and Team Nigeria Paralympian and Giants of Africa board member, Dennis Ogbe, lead the young athletes through activities that not only focused on athletic skill development but also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, teamwork, perseverance, and community engagement.
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Prince Harry said "What you guys are doing here at Giants of Africa is truly amazing. The power of sport can change lives. It brings people together and creates community".
Megan, The Duchess of Sussex added, "We are thrilled to be here. I lived in Toronto for seven years and that was the first time I'd heard of Giants of Africa - talk about full circle- never did I think we would be able to be here all those years later supporting the expansion of this incredible organization, through our foundation the Archewell Foundation. We're so grateful and proud of all the work that you're doing".
The Giants of Africa basketball court in Nigeria, sponsored by the Archewell Foundation and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced on Sunday, will serve as a testament to the power of sports in transforming lives and communities.
Masai Ujiri concludes by stressing that the this partnership exemplifies the collective effort to promote youth development and create a lasting impact in Nigeria and beyond.
Masai Ujiri is the first and only African-born President of a professional sports franchise in North America. In 2019, Masai led the Raptors to their first-ever NBA Championship and the first NBA Championship won by a team outside the United States in NBA history. In 2003, Masai co-founded the Giants of Africa Foundation, based on the idea of using basketball as a means of educating and enriching the lives of African youth--both boys and girls.
