Giants of Africa Makes International Debut at Adidas X Alba Next UP Women’s Tournament in Berlin
Giants of Africa (GOA), the non profit organization founded by Masai Ujiri which uses basketball as a tool to empower youth and create opportunities across the continent made its first
The non-profit organization Giants of Africa (GOA), founded by Masai Ujiri, made its international debut at the adidas x ALBA Next Up Women’s Basketball Tournament held in Berlin, Germany from September 3 to September 6. The tournament featured eight teams from around the world, with GOA competing alongside sides from Australia, Hungary, Indonesia, Spain, Germany, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
A delegation of women comprising eight young GOA alumni from five African nations - Ethiopia, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania - alongside GOA Coach Melissa Diawakana (DRC), Assistant Coach Adetokunbo Ijomah (Nigeria), and support staff, represented the organization. This trip marked a significant milestone for GOA's Women's Empowerment Programme, which aims to promote gender equity within the sport.
Many participants were experiencing their first international travel, expanding their horizons both on and off the court. In addition to competing, the delegation attended games at the ongoing FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, gaining exposure to elite women's basketball. GOA has shown the transformative power of investing in girls through inclusive sports programs and collaborations, ensuring at least 50% female participation in all their events.
The organization's commitment to women's empowerment extends to coaching, with clinics hosted across Africa to provide women with high-level mentorship, practical training, and resources to advance their careers within basketball and life. This initiative builds upon GOA's earlier work of creating access to basketball facilities, camps, and mentorship across the continent, evolving into opportunities for young women to compete and learn on an international stage.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
