Giants of Africa unveils new basketball courts in Kigali

As part of its ongoing commitment to build 100 basketball courts across Africa, Giants of Africa (GOA) unveiled three new outdoor courts at Saint Ignatius School in Kibagabaga on Saturday, August 2. The new courts, designed by NBA star power forward Kawhi Leonard, add to the growing number of GOA-built facilities in Kigali, joining previously established courts at Club Rafiki and Kimisagara Youth Centre. The launch event brought together 50 youth—25 boys and 25 girls—for a vibrant community ceremony and a youth basketball clinic led by GOA coaches in collaboration with local trainers. Leonard was present the court unveiling alongside Giants of Africa co-founder Masai Ujiri and Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire among other officials. Speaking at the event, the Los Angeles Clippers power forward shared how deeply personal the court's design is to his life journey, referencing the blue-painted walls of his elementary school that inspired him. On each of the court reads a message You’re stronger than you think, a phrase that has empowered Leonard throughout his career. “I thank Masai for bringing me to this camp, especially to Rwanda. It’s my first time in Africa, but definitely not my last. To the youth, you have all it takes. Don’t make any excuses. Enjoy and make use of these courts,” Leonard said. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s Kayijuka named Giants of Africa tournament MVP Father Innocent Rugaragu, Headmaster of Saint Ignatius School, called the new facility, one of the greatest gifts the school has ever received. He expressed optimism that the court would nurture future NBA players. “This school started as a primary school with just 50 students. Now, seven years later, we educate around 2,000. We began with a vision to provide quality education, and this gift adds to that by enhancing our sports capabilities. So, sports ministers should be ready for the rollout of many future athletes,” Rugaragu said. Mukazayire praised GOA’s initiative to build 100 basketball courts across Africa, calling it a testament to the continent’s bright future. She encouraged youth to embrace responsibility and believe in their potential. “Youth, you are the present and the future of Africa. I thank Masai and Kawhi for being part of this great mission. Remember, you are never too young to be responsible,” she advised. ALSO READ: Giants of Africa festival grand opening in pictures The three new courts symbolize more than just sports infrastructure, according to Joyeuse Ikirezi, a student at Saint Ignatius. For Ikirezi, they represent vision and opportunity. “These courts weren’t built with any kind of ‘skyrocket science’. They were thoughtfully designed and constructed, and that makes them more than just facilities, they’re symbols of ambition. Now it's our responsibility to make the most of them and develop our basketball skills,” she said. With the addition of these three courts at Saint Ignatius, Giants of Africa has now unveiled ten outdoor basketball courts across Rwanda. The journey began in 2022 with the refurbishment of the court at Club Rafiki in Nyamirambo, Kigali. In 2023, as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, GOA inaugurated two outdoor courts at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwamagana District, and another court at Kimisagara Youth Centre in Nyarugenge District. In 2024, under the Built Within initiative, a court was opened in Rubavu District at Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, followed by another in Huye District at Notre Dame de la Providence (ENDP) de Karubanda. Most recently, in 2025, GOA extended its reach by unveiling a new court in Rusizi District.