By Tayo Ogunseye
Giants of Africa, the non-profit organisation founded by Dallas Mavericks President and Alternate Governor Masai Ujiri, has opened its 54th community basketball court in Jimara, The Gambia, as part of its ambitious Built Within initiative to construct 100 courts across Africa.
The project, developed in partnership with UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa and Founder of Jaapo Capital Company Ltd, Jaha Dukureh, marks another milestone in the organisation’s efforts to use basketball as a tool for community development, youth empowerment and social transformation.
The official opening ceremony, held on Saturday, November 7, was attended by The Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Mod K Ceesay; Governor of the Upper River Region, Samba Bah; and Jimara District Chief, Julaba Drammeh.
The new facility is located in The Gambia’s Upper River Region and is designed to serve as more than a basketball venue, with plans to make it a community hub where women and young people can access mentorship, build connections and explore new opportunities.
Inspired by the baobab tree, a symbol of strength, wisdom and togetherness in Gambian culture, the court reflects the traditional role of the tree as a gathering place for storytelling, community engagement and collective decision-making.
The FIBA-standard facility was constructed by local workers, with young people from the district trained and employed during the project. It will also host basketball coaching sessions, clinics and youth development programmes.
Speaking at the opening, Dukureh described the project as a significant step towards creating opportunities for young people in the community.
“Many children in Jimara have never held a basketball, let alone had a court to play on. Today, through our partnership with Giants of Africa, we are changing that reality,” she said.
She added that the facility represents hope and opportunity, while laying the foundation for a broader vision to establish an educational and training hub where young people can develop their talents and pursue their dreams.
Dukureh expressed appreciation to Ujiri and the Giants of Africa team for supporting the initiative and believing in the potential of the Jimara community.
Ujiri, in his remarks, described the organisation’s first visit to The Gambia as special, acknowledging Dukureh’s commitment to creating opportunities in the district.
“Our first visit to The Gambia is truly special. Jaha, our dear friend, is building opportunities in Jimara, and we’re grateful to be part of her vision for this district,” Ujiri said.
“May the Jimara Hope court bring joy, unite this community, and open doors for young people, especially girls and women.”
The latest opening takes Giants of Africa closer to its target of 100 community basketball courts across the continent. The organisation reached its 50th-court milestone earlier this year with the opening of a facility in Lagos, Nigeria.
Launched in September 2021, the Built Within initiative is founded on the belief that basketball courts can bring communities together, empower young people and create opportunities beyond sports.
Each project is developed in partnership with local communities, with its design and programmes reflecting their unique cultures, aspirations and development needs.
Earlier this year, Giants of Africa also introduced its Dribble for Peace programme, an expansion of Built Within into the Sahel region, targeting communities affected by conflict, instability and environmental challenges.
Through the initiative, the organisation is strengthening its presence in Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Senegal, while extending its reach to Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, South Sudan and The Gambia, which is hosting the organisation’s project for the first time.
