The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Princess Meghan, have said that they would support the construction of a new Giants of Africa basketball court in Abuja through their non-profit outfit, the Archewell Foundation.
The British royals are currently in Nigeria as part of their efforts to create opportunities for youths through sports.
Yesterday, as guests of Giant of Africa on the invitation of Toronto Raptors’Vice Chairman and President, Masai Ujiri, the royal couple featuredin a youth basketball clinic at Ilupeju Grammar School, Lagos, where they participated in on-court activities.
Speaking at the clinic, Giants of Africa driver, Ujiri said the contribution of a basketball court bolters to the foundation’s ambitious initiative, ‘Built Within,’ a multi-year, 100-court investment in sports infrastructure across Africa.
“We are grateful to be joined by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at this basketball clinic here in Lagos,” said Masai Ujiri. “Basketball has the power to unite communities and inspire young people to reach their full potential. Teaming up with the Archewell Foundation, we look forward to creating experiences for young people, empowering them to become leaders, while also fostering pathways to opportunity and hope.”
The basketball clinic participants included boys and girls from Ilupeju Grammar School, as well as wheelchair basketball athletes from the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association in Nigeria.
Local Giants of Africa coaches, and Team Nigeria Paralympian and Giants of Africa board member, Dennis Ogbe, led the young athletes through activities that focused on athletic skill development andemphasised the importance of inclusivity, teamwork, perseverance, and community engagement.
Excited by the performance of the children, Prince Harry said: “What you guys are doing here at Giants of Africa is truly amazing. The power of sport can change lives. It brings people together and creates community.”
Megan added: “We are thrilled to be here. I lived in Toronto for seven years and that was the first time I’d heard of Giants of Africa – talk about full circle– never did I think we would be able to be here all those years later supporting the expansion of this incredible organisation, through our foundation, the Archewell Foundation.
“We’re so grateful and proud of all the work that you’re doing.”
Prince Harry and Meghan are in Lagos to continue a three-day visit to Nigeria as part of their promotion of the Invictus Games, the sporting event the couple founded for wounded military veterans.
The Guardian recalls that Giants of Africa built a futuristic basketball court at the Ilupeju Grammar School in 2021 as part of its efforts to grow the sport in Africa.
