The Mango Foundation has announced the second edition of its much-anticipated 80-player basketball camp, scheduled for September 19-21, 2024.
Designed to empower young basketball talent nationwide, the camp will bring together aspiring players from all 36 states, offering them essential training and mentorship.
Speaking during a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Yusuf O. Yakubu, the foundation’s founder and a former professional basketball player, highlighted the initiative’s significance.
“If we work together and invest in our youth, we won’t need to rely so heavily on overseas talent. We can cultivate a generation of homegrown players who are just as skilled, if not more so,” he stated.
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Yakubu reflected on his own journey, emphasizing the role sports played in his life. “Growing up, sports were our outlet and our hope. They allowed us to dream beyond our circumstances,” he said.
“We had talent but lacked the systems to nurture it. This camp aims to bridge that gap,” Yakubu explained.
He drew comparisons to the United States, where significant investments are made in grassroots sports to support young talent. He said his primary objectives is to provide mentorship and guidance.
“It’s about preparing these young players not just for the game, but for the academic and regulatory challenges they’ll face if they want to play at the next level,” he noted.
He emphasized that empowerment goes beyond basketball; it encompasses academic and life skills as well. Organizing the camp presents challenges, including securing sponsorship.
“Sponsorship is always a major issue, but I believe that with continued effort and support, we can overcome these hurdles,” he stated.
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