NBA Africa, Opportunity International unveil new basketball court in Nairobi

 NBA Africa and Opportunity International, a global nonprofit organization that develops innovative programs that use financial services, training and support to address some of the greatest challenges facing those living in poverty around the world, unveiled a new outdoor basketball court at Loiswell Academy in Nairobi.

The unveiling follows the launch of a new court at Highland School in Nyamata, Rwanda, last week and supports NBA Africa’s commitment to build 1,000 courts on the continent over the next decade.

The court was unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony by NBA Kenya Country Operations Lead Michael Finley, Opportunity International Board of Directors Member Ken Wathome, Opportunity International Executive Vice President, International Programs and Capital Solutions Randy Kurtz, Loiswell Academy Founder and Director Lois Mbugua and former NBA player Hasheem Thabeet, which was followed by a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA clinic for 100 boys and girls ages 16 and under.

Speaking during the event NBA Kenya Country Operations Lead Michael Finley said, "Last year with the Government, President and our Deputy Commissioner in the country, the NBA committed to building over 1000 courts on the continent of Africa. And our target is to build 100 of those courts here in Kenya……100 basketball courts in Kenya so that young people like yourselves can play the game, can come out, have a safe space, and who knows how far this game can take you. So as we seek to use the transformative power of the game of basketball to change lives, we continue and we look forward to working with our partners, Opportunity International with the Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Education, with Loiswell Academy and organizations of that nature to continue to create the opportunity for young people to play the game.”

Ken Wathome, the Incoming Chair, Global Board, Opportunity International, said, "We believe in a holistic child so we have partnered with the NBA and local school owners to help build basketball courts that are going to be world class. As we do this we will build up to 100 courts of this quality in this country and through that kids will learn how to play basketball and they can go to the highest possible in that career.... through the game of basketball they learn life skills around discipline, hard work, teamwork that we believe will shape their character to do great things in their careers

Meanwhile former NBA player Hasheem Thabeet said this “This is a stepping stone, a very good stepping stone for growing talent and hopefully the kids maximise and use it to their potential.”