Giants of Africa

We are hiring! We are looking for a Director of Corporate Partnerships who is passionate about inspiring and empowering African youth. As a part of our dynamic and growing team, you will play a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission by securing the vital resources needed to expand our reach and impact. Follow the link to learn more about this role. You can apply through LinkedIn or by email to info@giantsofafrica.org by Wednesday, January 15th, 2025. https://lnkd.in/gxSY_wzK

2024 was a year of many firsts. We want to thank our GOA community, our supporters and partners for sharing this incredible journey with us.

There is no better way to end the year than by building more courts in a new country: Last week, for the first time in GOA history, we visited South Africa to unveil three courts at two different locations. 🇿🇦 Iconic double court in Johannesburg Supported by SLAM and JDS Sports Play with Purpose initiative, and built in partnership with Joburg Parks, these courts in Donald Mackay Park are going to empower the local community and grow the game we love. Kroomdraai court at the Cradle of Humankind Thanks to our generous donors, Jess and Scott Lake, this court stands as a reminder of our shared beginnings and the limitless potential of what we can achieve together. This was a big milestone in our mission to build 100 courts across Africa. We are ending 2024 with having built 37 courts in 11 countries. An achievement that wouldn't be possible without our sponsors, partners and donors. We are forever grateful for your support and look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025.

Yesterday, we got together to celebrate a true giant and inspiration to us all: Nelson Mandela. The evening of reflection included a lively Raptors game and Dream Big reception filled with connection, conversation and celebration. We want to thank everyone who took the time to join us and our sponsors LIUNA Local 183, Crowe Soberman, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and Toronto Metropolitan University for their generous support.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to Lift a Giant and join us in empowering youth across Africa. You’ve seen how every camp helps shape the leaders of the future. Building their confidence. Fuelling their dreams. Showing them how great they can truly be. Now is your chance to support that journey. Every donation makes a real difference, from providing equipment, to meals, to grants for education, outreach, and leadership in the communities we visit. Whatever your support, you’re helping campers inspire and uplift the giants around them — for generations. Join the movement and make a lasting impact. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/gJmQqUag

We celebrated this year's International Day of the Girl Child with two milestones: launching our Women’s Empowerment Initiative and hosting our first camp in Gabon. In every program we run, we are committed to equality. For camps, that means providing the same clothing, coaching, and court time for boys and girls alike. We're inspired by a future in which young women everywhere not only participate in their communities but also lead them.

Earlier this week, we unveiled our very first court in Ontario in Toronto’s Jane and Finch community. It's an extension of our mission to build 100 courts across Africa and a testament to our commitment to empowering the diverse African diaspora in Canada. "The great equalizer [in diverse cultural communities] has always been the game of basketball. It goes beyond borders, brings communities together and builds opportunity," Abdul Nur, Community Leader. A big thank you to the sponsor of this court, George Brown College and to the City of Toronto for their support of this initiative.

With the launch of our first basketball court in Morocco, Giants of Africa continues its mission to create spaces that inspire and empower. This new court in Marrakesh at Al Izdihar Park will provide opportunities for Morrocan youth to gather, grow, and dream big. Our work in Morocco began in 2019 with a camp in Ifrane, and this court marks a significant step forward. A big thank you to Kensington Tours for their partnership in bringing this project to life. We look forward to seeing how this space will shape the next generation of athletes and leaders. #BuiltWithin

While in Libreville, Masai Ujiri had the honor of visiting with His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma to discuss opportunities for sports development and infrastructure in Gabon. We can’t wait to return to this beautiful country.

This week, we held our first-ever basketball camp in Gabon, with 64 youths from across the country eager to learn and grow. A special shoutout to Géraldine Robert, former Gabonese international basketball star and GOA coach, for her incredible leadership and help to put this camp together.