Hollywood actor and peace and development activist Forest Whitaker on Tuesday joined NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams and Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews in the troubled Athlone suburb of Cape Town for the opening of a community basketball court that Whitaker said would offer a safe space for youths to become future champions.
“Its goal is to nurture healthy bodies and healthy minds, providing the children and the youths of the community with a safe space where they can strengthen their stamina and their character. It is a place that will cultivate future NBA champions. When youth play basketball here, I want them to have a lot of fun, but I also want them to know that each dribble can take them towards a better life — for their community, for Cape Town, and one day perhaps even for the world,” said Whitaker, who is CEO of the Whitaker Peace and Development Foundation.
Whitaker, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ugandan president Idi Amin in the Hollywood movie The Last King of Scotland, is no stranger to Africa. He is also a strategic investor in NBA Africa which is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), whose mission is to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.
NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL). The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024.
*The views of the above article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Africa Speaks 4 Africa or its editorial team.