Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri has been instrumental in the Raptors success over the years.
Ujiri has been a part of the organization since 2008. The president has been giving back to the community courtesy of his nonprofit organization Giants of Africa (GOA).
Originally from Africa, Ujiri recognized that there is an excess of talent and love for the sport of basketball in his homeland. But, the issue was the lack of coaching and resources for those who possessed talent.
From basketball camps, community engagement, events, festivals, GOA does a lot for the community of Africa. Since the first camp in 2003, the organization is committed to enriching the lives of the African youth and aspiring them to reach their full potential.
Edmonton is now home to a new basketball court thanks to Ujiri and his nonprofit organization. Ujiri talked about what it meant to open this new court:
“I think this is a unique place. From the road you can see, there’s a lot of interaction. When you play basketball, sometimes you want to show off playing basketball and this is a good place.”
Londonderry junior high students will be able to try out this new court, lining up with GOA’s vision of empowering the youth.
With GOA predominantly do their charitable work in Africa, it is inspiring to see it carry over to where to Canada.
Pascal Siakam and Maple Leafs’ John Tavares unveil basketball court renovations
Ujiri was not alone in his community contributions this offseason. Raptors star Pascal Siakam and Toronto Maple Leafs’ John Tavares revealed a new court in Alexandra Park.
Being in Toronto since 2016, Siakam started his own foundation called PS43 Foundation. Empowering him to give back to the community of Toronto.
Siakam’s foundation launched in April of 2021 to honor his late father, Tchamo, who was passionate about education and empowering people. Those ideologies exist prominently in Siakam’s foundation.
Two big initiatives called ‘Digital Divide’ and ‘Mathathletes’ exist to follow Tcahmo’s passion of education and enriching the youth.
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