BALL Africa, in collaboration with Ball 2 Thrive California USA, marked the 2023 World Basketball Day with their “One BALL” campaign at the Warriors Academy Basketball Court in Ilupeju, Lagos State.
The initiative involved the donation of 25 pairs of basketball shoes and the organization of a Basketball Clinic for the Warriors Basketball Academy.
Founded in March 2020, BALL Africa’s bi-annual sports equipment drive, “One BALL,” strives to enhance access to sports gear for children in underserved communities.
The campaign, which has distributed a total of 225 sports equipment since its inception in 2021, aims to donate one million sports items over the next decade.
Oluwafemi Adefeso, the founder of BALL Africa, emphasized the significance of sports, especially basketball, in fostering sustainable development among the continent’s vast and talented youth.
Adefeso expressed his commitment to continue the annual tradition of providing sports equipment, stating, “Just like last year, we will continue to do this every year.”
Omodele Adetokunbo Adesanya, Founder of BALL2Thrive Basketball, echoed the sentiment, affirming the organization’s dedication to supporting youth through impactful programs in Nigeria.
“With great passion for uplifting the experience of the sport of basketball globally, I am glad to partner with BALL Africa as we donated basketball shoes to the program last year and again this year. Our goal is to continue to help the youth with developing more grounded and quality skills training programs in Nigeria, with a touch of giving back! I am excited to fulfill my duty of being a bridge builder between the Americas and Nigeria and becoming a change-agent for young ball players across countries. More to come! Happy World Basketball Day!” said Adesanya.
The United Nations General Assembly’s approval of December 21 as World Basketball Day encourages global participation in celebrating the sport’s positive impact.
The initiative encourages Member States, UN organizations, the private sector, civil society, and individuals to observe World Basketball Day and promote the sport’s benefits through educational and awareness activities.
BALL Africa, originating in Lagos, Nigeria, envisions harnessing the power of sports to drive human capital development beyond Nigeria’s border. The organization advocates for education in sports disciplines and actively donates equipment to underserved communities in Africa, exemplified by their recent “One BALL” campaign in Lagos.
