‘Building a court in Toronto has long been a priority and a source of pride for us’
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri’s nonprofit organization Giants of Africa unveiled a pair of basketball courts in Toronto earlier this week.
The courts opened on Tuesday at Firgrove Park in the Jane and Finch community in North York with Ujiri, Toronto mayor Olivia Chow, local councillor Anthony Perruzza and others on hand.
The courts were sponsored by George Brown College, with support from the City of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
A youth basketball clinic was conducted for boys and girls, along with life skills education led by NBA personnel, Raptors development coaches and Giants of Africa coaches following the unveiling.
The organization said the courts are intended to “serve as a testament to Giants of Africa’s commitment to empowering youth and embracing the diverse African diaspora community residing in Canada.”
“Building a court in Toronto has long been a priority and a source of pride for us, so it’s incredible to see it come to life here today in this special community,” Ujiri said in a release. “More than just a game, basketball is a tool for empowerment. Through these courts, we aim to provide opportunities to unite youth, develop their skills, build confidence, and foster a sense of community.
“We are grateful to our sponsors, George Brown College, and the City of Toronto for their support in making this project a reality.”
Giants of Africa has unveiled 33 new courts in 10 African countries and hopes to eventually unveil 100.
“Our partnership with Giants of Africa enables us to transform lives and inspire the next generation to dream big. Through sports, we can unlock new learning opportunities and nurture the immense talent of our youth in the Jane and Finch community, aligning with our college’s commitment to accessible education and community development.” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, president of George Brown College. “The combination of sports and education supports on and off-court success which is the foundation of our shared efforts and partnership in supporting the next generation of leaders.”
Chow said: “We are thrilled to open these basketball courts at Firgrove Park, creating a safe and vibrant space for our youth to play, learn and grow. This is not just about basketball, it’s about building a community where dreams can take flight.”
“MLSE is driven by the positive impact of sport on youth both on the court, but more importantly, off the court,” said Tanya Mruck, vice president of community engagement and impact for MLSE. “Together with Giants of Africa, we are committed to providing more equitable access to basketball for communities facing barriers so that all youth have the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the game and experience the power of sport to change the world.”