Giants of Africa to hold training camp in Nairobi

In a bid to develop the sports culture in Kenya and Africa at large, Giants of Africa have for the last two years set up a two-day training and coaching camp in Nairobi, conducted by former NBA coaches, that has seen over 100 boys from East African nations, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa participate. Ms. Abel Nson, the Basketball Coordinator for Southern and Eastern Africa at Giants of Africa, shared insights on the organization's mission and impact. Giants of Africa is a non-profit organization founded by Masai Ujiri in 2002, with the goal of giving back to Africa. Ujiri, a Nigerian native who received a basketball scholarship to the United States, aimed to share his knowledge and passion for the sport with African youth. The organization started its camps small and has since expanded to multiple countries across the continent. In Kenya, Giants of Africa has made significant strides, paving the way for similar initiatives in Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, Senegal, and Botswana. The core idea behind the camps is to expose young athletes to a range of opportunities within the sports industry beyond just playing professionally. Nson emphasized that sports can lead to careers in journalism, marketing, sports law, and more. While none of the participants have made it to the NBA, their involvement in sports has positively impacted their lives. The training camps serve as a platform for African coaches to interact with NBA coaches, fostering knowledge sharing and mentorship. The organization also focuses on infrastructure development by constructing basketball courts and providing equipment like shoes and basketballs to enhance the playing experience for aspiring athletes. One of the key challenges facing sports development in Kenya is the lack of youth programs below the age of 16. Nson highlighted the importance of building a strong foundation at the grassroots level to attract sponsors and create a sustainable sports ecosystem. Additionally, she underscored the need to view sports as a multi-billion dollar industry, rather than just a hobby, to realize its full economic potential. Drawing parallels to successful sports markets in the West, Nson emphasized the significance of government support in facilitating sports initiatives. Through partnerships with local governments, Giants of Africa has been able to secure resources for their programs, including the recent establishment of a basketball court in Kibera. Nson called for greater collaboration between governments and private investors to drive youth sports development and create a conducive environment for growth. By leveraging funds allocated by county governments and streamlining processes for foreign investments in sports, African nations can unlock the untapped potential of their sports industry. Giants of Africa's holistic approach to sports development underscores the transformative power of basketball in empowering African youth and building a brighter future for the continent.