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Guédianwé, Senegal - The Qatar Foundation and the Basketball Africa League have inaugurated Africa's inaugural community court as part of the BAL4HER program in Guédianwé, Senegal. The revitalized arena aims to create a secure space for women, girls, and young individuals to engage in sports, education, and skills enhancement. This initiative marks the first of six community courts to be refurbished with Qatar Foundation's backing under a long-term collaboration with the Basketball Africa League, launched in May 2026.
The primary objective is to increase female and girl participation in sports by delivering more than just basketball opportunities but also volleyball, handball, leadership workshops, educational programs, and health awareness initiatives.
During the inauguration, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of Qatar Olympic Committee, highlighted the transformative power of sport in providing participation opportunities. "This court offers more young women and men a place to discover their abilities and build their confidence," Al Thani stated.
The refurbishment project incorporated upgrades to lighting, changing facilities, bathrooms, and meeting rooms, transforming the space into a comprehensive platform for basketball, volleyball, handball, and beyond.
Alanoud Al Mesnad, Executive Director of Women's and Girls' Sports at Qatar Foundation, emphasized the social development role of sports, stating, "At Qatar Foundation, we believe sport plays a vital role in social development. It opens new opportunities for women and girls, supporting young people and helps build stronger, more cohesive communities."
The court's current usage reflects the initiative's impact, with women and girls comprising two-thirds of the daily users, indicating a strong engagement among the target demographic.
Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, echoed the sentiment, noting that basketball can inspire and empower young people. "With the opening of the first BAL4HER community court in Africa, we want girls and young women in Guédianwé to have a place to play basketball, learn, connect, and imagine what is possible," he said.
The partnership between Qatar Foundation and the Basketball Africa League underscores their commitment to fostering community-based development through sport, ensuring that investments in sports facilities translate into tangible benefits for individuals and communities in the long run.
Written by urgent.news from The Peninsula Qatar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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