Giants of Africa, a non-profit founded in partnership with UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Jaha Dukureh and the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), has opened its 54th basketball court in Africa in Jimara, Upper River Region.
The move is part of efforts aimed at promoting youth empowerment, education and community development through sport.
The court, known as the Jimara Hope Basketball Court, was officially inaugurated recently at a ceremony attended by government officials, community leaders and representatives of the foundation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, Mod K. Ceesay, said the investment demonstrated how sport could contribute to economic development, business opportunities, discipline and improved health.
The project, he added, reflects the vision of Giants of Africa co-founder Masai Ujiri, who aims to build 100 basketball courts across the continent and has already completed more than 50.
Minister Ceesay said the facility should be seen beyond its sporting purpose, describing it as an investment capable of transforming lives and creating opportunities for young people in Jimara and beyond.
He also highlighted the connection between the project and efforts to develop young people's skills and businesses, particularly through initiatives such as organic fertiliser production and promoting healthier agricultural practices.
Masai Ujiri said the court was intended to serve as a tool for community empowerment, providing young people with a space to play, learn and develop themselves.
He shed light on some of the work of the foundation, citing youth development, women's empowerment, education and schools, among a host of others.
He reminded that the foundation understood the challenges young people face in African communities, further expressing appreciation to the Gambian government and the community for welcoming the organisation, saying he hoped the facility would bring hope and joy, particularly to young girls.
Also speaking, Jaha Dukureh, who was born in Jimara, described the project as a significant investment in her home community.
She said Giants of Africa had built 54 basketball courts across the continent and expressed gratitude that Jimara had been selected to benefit from the initiative.
Ms. Dukureh pledged to ensure that the facility would not remain idle, promising that young people from Jimara and neighbouring districts would be encouraged to use it.
GIEPA Chief Executive Officer Ousainou Senghore also welcomed the investment, describing it as an important contribution to improving lives and empowering young people, particularly girls.
The opening was followed by a basketball clinic involving 50 boys and girls, facilitated by local and international Giants of Africa coaches.
