Ujiri grows Giants of Africa project with new basketball court

Giants of Africa is a non-profit started by Masai Ujiri, President of the Dallas Mavericks. They just opened their 54th community basketball court in Jimara, The Gambia.

This court is part of the Built Within initiative, which aims to build 100 community courts across Africa. It was built in partnership with Jaha Dukureh, who is the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa and CEO of Jaapo Capital Company Ltd.

The official opening took place on Saturday, November 7. Important guests included Mod K Ceesay, the Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment. Samba Bah, the Governor of the Upper River Region, and Julaba Drammeh, the District Chief of Jimara, were also there.

Earlier this year, Giants of Africa opened its 50th court in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Jimara court is not just for basketball. It aims to be a center for women in the area, giving them a place to connect, get mentorship, and find opportunities alongside sports. Its design is inspired by the baobab tree, which stands for strength, wisdom, and togetherness in The Gambia. This tree also serves as a traditional meeting place for sharing stories and making decisions together.

Local workers built the FIBA-standard court. Young people from the district were trained and employed during the construction. The court will host coaching sessions, clinics, and youth programs.

Dukureh, a strong supporter of Giants of Africa, also started Safe Hands for Girls, a non-profit registered in the United States.

Jaapo Capital focuses on investments in regenerative agriculture, health innovation, and community infrastructure. She believes that real change comes from creating economic opportunities at home.

"Many children in Jimara have never held a basketball, let alone had a court to play on. Today, through our partnership with Giants of Africa, we are changing that reality. This court represents far more than basketball.

"It represents hope, opportunity, and the start of a bigger vision to create an educational and training hub where young people can learn, develop their skills, and dream beyond their current situation. I am very thankful to Masai Ujiri and the entire Giants of Africa team for believing in our community and making this vision real," Dukureh said.

Ujiri shared that the visit was special.

"Our first visit to The Gambia is truly special. Jaha, our dear friend, is creating opportunities in Jimara, and we’re thankful to be part of her vision for this district. I hope the Jimara Hope court brings joy, unites this community, and opens doors for young people, especially girls and women," he said.

Giants of Africa launched Built Within in September 2021. They believe a court can uplift a community, bring young people together, and create opportunities. Each court is made with input from the community and reflects its culture and goals.

Earlier this year, the organization announced Dribble for Peace, the latest phase of the program. This phase expands into the Sahel region, focusing on areas affected by conflict, instability, and environmental issues. It builds on their presence in Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Senegal, and now includes Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, South Sudan, and for the first time, The Gambia.