HarryCares will help various cities in Nigeria to resurface five basketball street courts and install Basketball upright that are more durable for outdoor use. By doing so, we are providing a safe space and place where various youth can horn their basketball skills while channelling their energy towards sports. This project will include a one day tournament for each court which becomes officially open in order to keep participating youth active and empowered while playing the game they love.
The problem is street courts in Nigeria have multiple pot holes, broken backboards and rusted basketball rims. Bleachers and sitting areas are dirty and deserted. There are no protective pads attached to the basketball upright. Youth have no playing shoes and play bare footed. As a result, youth suffer from multiple gruesome injuries and ankle sprains. Participating youth are demoralized, less engaged and motivated to play sports. They channel their energy on delinquent behaviours as an outlet
Resurfacing outdoor basketball courts will create a safer space and place for youth to play in a more appealing environment. It will reduce the high risk of injuries and provide the required tool (Basketball) for youth to aspire to do more for themselves. The opening of each court will create long lasting partnerships with families and communities, but most importantly empower participating youth by putting them in the lights as positive role models and cummnity leaders who may mentor others.
This project will create a sustainable impact as multiple youth will continue to engage in outdoor play/activity in a safer space. Potential basketball stars and community role models will emerge from these street courts, earning themselves an opportunity for a life-time like myself to have a quality North American education while playing the game they love. Basketball was my tool, the street court was my safe space, it will be multiple safe spaces for countless African youth who will do better.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
