NBA Africa and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has unveiled a refurbished court at the Campos mini-Stadium, Lagos Island, as part of the Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball experience program in Lagos.
According to NBA Africa, the refurbishment project of the basketball courts, which commenced in June, in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, will benefit youths from Lagos and surrounding communities by providing them opportunities to learn and play the game.
At the unveiling ceremony, NBA Africa & AFD hosted a Jr. NBA clinic for 70 boys and girls to celebrate the newly refurbished court.
Speaking at the event, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, said.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with Nigeria, as we inaugurate this basketball court. Sports have the power to unite people, and this project exemplifies the strong ties between France, AFD, and Nigeria in promoting youth empowerment and skill development through sport. I am convinced that having this dedicated sharing space will enable young girls and boys to become change makers in their local communities.”
The vice president NBA Africa and Country Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu, stated that the construction of the basketball court would encourage more youths to play the game.
“The unveiling of the newly refurbished court in partnership with AFD is a testament to our continued efforts to use the power of sport to positively impact African youth. We remain committed to using the game as a vehicle for driving positive social and economic change in Nigeria and we hope that the new basketball court will encourage more young boys and girls to play the game and live healthy, active lifestyles,” she said.
Also at the unveiling ceremony, Dream Africa Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chenfa Dombin, said: “Dream Sports Africa exists to create young leaders through sports and Basketball Experience, with this newly refurbished basketball court, will transform the physical wellbeing, mental health and life skills of thousands of young boys and girls across Lagos State. has the capacity to transform the lives of individuals and communities through physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being and development.
“In Nigeria, basketball plays a significant role in our culture and communities while speaking to youth in a language they understand. Innovative partnerships, such as Basketball Experience, empower youth with educational and engaging learning experiences that prepare them for life after school and the future’.
