Basketball is perceived to be an exclusive and elitist game by some Kenyans, perhaps due to its popularity in First World countries like the US, where the National Basket Ball (NBA) is estimated to be worth billions of US dollars.
However, this might soon start changing after Toronto (US) Raptors CEO Masai Ujiri launched a basketball court in Nairobi's Korogocho informal settlement, promising to help popularize the game across the country and continent.
Giants of Africa, headed by Ujiri, is the foundation behind the initiative and uses basketball to enrich lives as well as educate African kids and youth.
It is through this foundation that students and residents around St John Primary School have a reason to smile by having their basketball court renovated to a state-of-art facility.
Masai Ujiri, whose mother is a Kenyan from Machakos County, was accompanied by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja on Thursday, September 16 for the unveiling.
“GiantsOfAfrica, thank you for the great work you’re doing on the continent. Was honoured to host you all together with Masai Ujiri today in Korogocho in Nairobi. Bless you, all so much for investing in our young people.” Sakaja appreciated
St John Primary school basketball pitch is part of the Giants of Africa’s initiative of building 100 of them in underprivileged areas with 11 so far being built in Nigeria, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso.
“We really have to encourage the youth and this generation because there is so much talent but we lack the infrastructure that can grow them in sports.
“ I always tell the story of my mum when growing up she asked me if basketball will pay me and look at me now,” stated Ujiri.
Additionally, when speaking to Jeff Koinange on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, Ujiri pointed out the improvement of the game in the national team, attributing to the fact that there is great potential in terms of talent.
“I am very proud to see the growth of basketball in this country. There is some movement in terms of growth and organization and that’s is very impressive,” an elated Ujiri told Koinange.
