AfriCAN: Masai Ujiri's Giants of Africa draws legendary footballer

Giants of Africa, the not-for-profit organization co-founded by Masai Ujiri, president and vice-chairman of the Toronto Raptors, brought together a diverse group of working professionals from the African diaspora for an evening of networking, culture, and entertainment. The evening presented an opportunity to witness the intersection between the continent of Africa and Canada. In attendance for the evening included Keith Pelley, CEO of MLSE, Pinball Clemons and of course the special guest of the evening was legendary World Cup footballer (formerly of Chelsea in the Premier League and Ivory Coast national team player) Didier Drogba.

image: masai ujiri speaks at the African event; credit samir mourani

Giants of Africa

‘AfriCAN: Advancing Africa Together’ was held at the Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto with the aim of establishing a community that shares knowledge and resources while celebrating African pride and culture. The highlight of the evening was a fireside chat with Masai Ujiri and football icon and philanthropist, Didier Drogba. Additionally, Jamad Fiin, athlete and founder of Jamad Basketball Camps, engaged in a conversation with the event host, Emcee Ebone.

During his remarks, Masai Ujiri emphasized the organization’s commitment to Africa’s prosperity. “By strengthening our bonds and exploring ways to contribute individually and collectively, we can drive economic growth in Africa and support the future for the next generation,” Ujiri stated. He continued, “We must look within and recognize that each and every one of us can start small, with a single idea or opportunity. When we come together and support one another, we can make a real impact.”

Didier Drogba

When asked about the significance of the event, Didier Drogba shared, “Through unity and determination, we can transform dreams into reality. Giants of Africa is not just about basketball. It embodies the spirit of unity and the belief that together, we can achieve greatness. This event is a testament to the strength and potential of the African diaspora. By empowering our youth and supporting each other, we are paving the way for a brighter future for Africa.”

Giants of Africa continues to empower African youth through hosting basketball camps, community outreach events, and building courts across the continent. For more information about Giants of Africa and their upcoming initiatives, please visit Giants of Africa.

About Giants of Africa and Masai Ujiri

Masai Ujiri is the first and only African-born president of a professional sports franchise in North America. In 2019, Ujiri led the Raptors to their first-ever NBA Championship and the first NBA Championship won by a team outside the United States in NBA history. In 2003, Ujiri co-founded the Giants of Africa Foundation, based on the idea of using basketball as a means of educating and enriching the lives of African youth. Giants of Africa has used sport to help empower youth to dream big, hosting basketball camps and clinics in 17 countries across the continent. In 2021, Giants of Africa launched the ‘Built Within’ 100-court initiative and has unveiled 30 basketball facilities in nine African countries to date. To celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary, the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival brought together over 250 youth from 16 countries across Africa to Kigali, Rwanda, for a week-long celebration of basketball, education, culture, and entertainment in August 2023.