Masai Ujiri's Giants of Africa to build 100 basketball courts in Africa

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Masai Ujiri of the Toronto Raptors

On Sept. 15, Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa announced a "multi-year, 100-court investment in the infrastructure of basketball throughout Africa."

Called "Built Within," the initiative will build and refurbish over 10 new courts across Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso over the next three months. The remaining locations, which will be "strategically located in underserved communities," will be revealed in the coming years.

“Since we began investing in the future of sports in Africa over the last two decades, it became clear that camps and programming were not enough to create long-term opportunities for growth in sports,” said Ujiri, who is the president of Giants of Africa in addition to being vice chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors. “These public spaces have the power to unite communities, build togetherness and improve quality of life for all people.”

“Sports are one of the best ways that we can help our young people achieve their goals and I look forward to hearing the stories of the thousands of young people who will be able to utilize these courts to help make their communities stronger over the next ten years and beyond," Ujiri continued. 

According to the press release, each court unveiling will include "remarks from community leaders and youth who will be using the courts, a welcome from local dignitaries, a motivational speaker and free basketball gear for staff and youth attendees provided by Nike." Additionally, NBA coaches and personnel will conduct a basketball clinic to close out each event. 

For more information on the initiative and to follow along as each court is unveiled, join the Giants of Africa online community at www.GiantsofAfrica.org or follow @GiantsofAfrica and #BuiltwithinTour on Instagram.

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