Masai Ujiri, the co-founder of Giants of Africa and Toronto Raptors president, along with Rwandan Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju on Tuesday, May 28, inaugurated a new basketball court at Ecole Notre Dame de la Providence (ENDP) in the Huye District. ALSO READ: Giants of Africa unveils 29th basketball court in Kimisagara The court is part of Giants of Africa’s initiative to build 100 courts across Africa and it aligns with Rwanda’s ambitious target to become a hub of sports and entertainment. The facility features an upgraded basketball floor, spectator area, and floodlights for evening games. Also present at the facility’s official inauguration were local basketball governing body (FERWABA) Vice-President, Pascale Umugwaneza and Huye District Mayor Ange Sebutege. The new basketball court at ENDP Karubanda is the sixth that Giants of Africa has built in Rwanda, after two outdoor courts in Rwamagana and Kimironko in 2023 and another at Club Rafiki in Nyamirambo, Kigali, in 2022. In his remarks, Ujiri commended ENDP Karubanda students for their dedication to basketball and, the school’s contribution to development of sport in Rwanda in particular. “This is the 30th basketball court that we have built on this continent, and I can confidently say this is the best one yet,” Ujiri said. “What makes it special is that it’s built at a girls’ school with a strong track record of achievements and contributions to the national women’s team over the past decade. “Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment is a core mission of Giants of Africa. This turnout of young girls promises a bright future for both them and the country,” he added. He also commended President Paul Kagame for his visionary leadership. “We, partners, can’t achieve this alone. With his good leadership, we are moving toward our goals,” he said. Minister Munyangaju emphasised that building basketball courts across Rwanda is not only an investment in sports infrastructure but also in the nation’s youth and communities. “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Giants of Africa for their continued support in developing basketball in Rwanda and across Africa,” Munyangaju said. “Our partnership extends beyond basketball to include the development of sports infrastructure, such as this court. This investment is significant for young Rwandan talents and communities in general,” she added. Giants of Africa, co-founded by Ujiri in 2003, aims to use basketball to educate and improve the lives of African youth, both boys and girls. Philomene Nyirahuku, Headmistress of ENDP Karubanda, expressed her gratitude to all contributors, particularly the government of Rwanda and Giants of Africa for bringing basketball infrastructure closer to students. “Our school has produced many players for the Rwanda Basketball League, and now we have a player in the NBA who started here,” Nyirahuku said. “We hope this facility will help us achieve more and support talented young girls.” The ceremony concluded with a game between former and current students of ENDP Karubanda teams. Minister Munyangaju featured for the current school team.
