Basketball

Grinders Basketball Foundation Empowers 50 Students with “Back to School” Initiative

Published

7 months ago

September 1, 2024

Grinders Basketball Foundation, a non-profit organization, recently held its sixth edition of the “Back to School” outreach program, providing support to 50 students from various educational institutions across Nigeria.

The event, which took place over the weekend in Abuja, saw the beneficiaries receive a cash sum and other essential educational materials to aid their academic pursuits.

Igoche Mark, a proud supporter of the foundation’s initiative, expressed his delight in associating with the program. “I feel proud whenever basketball is used as a vehicle to reach out to the most vulnerable in society through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),” Mark said. He assured of his continued support for basketball development in the country.

Alhassan Joseph Enbago, Secretary of the foundation, revealed that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from primary, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions within Nigeria. He described the sixth edition as successful and promised improvements in the seventh edition.

The “Back to School” program is a testament to Grinders Basketball Foundation’s commitment to using basketball as a tool for social impact. By providing educational support to underprivileged students, the foundation aims to empower them to reach their full potential.

With the success of this edition, the foundation looks forward to expanding its reach and impact in future initiatives.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2025

The Gleamer

Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Patrick Pascal, was honored at the recently concluded Be Happy Basketball Tournament in Bauchi. The annual event, sponsored by former basketball international Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, brought together over 13 basketball teams from across Nigeria for a week of exciting competition.

The 2025 edition of the tournament saw Suns Basketball Academy of Jos emerge as champions, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Adamawa Stars of Yola finished second, while Mak-Town Flyers of Makurdi claimed third place, earning ₦200,000 for their efforts.

Several standout players received individual accolades:

•   Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy, Jos).
•   Most Improved Player: Modupe Lawrence (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Best Defensive Player: Thomas Abo (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Highest Scorer: Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy).
•   Best 3-Point Shooter: Solomon Iliya (Be Happy Stars, Bauchi).

Teams from across Nigeria took part, including Maktown Flyers (Makurdi), Joe Geez (Jos), Adamawa Stars (Yola), Gamji (Maiduguri), Elite Basketball Club (Takum), Suns Basketball Academy (Jos), Abba Gida Gida (Kano), Katsina United (Katsina), D Block Basketball Club (Kaduna), Yankari Kings (Bauchi), The Cubs Basketball Club (Bauchi), and Be Happy Stars (Bauchi).

Speaking on his recognition, Patrick Pascal expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, for his commitment to youth empowerment and development through sports. He praised the players for their remarkable display of skill and teamwork throughout the competition, highlighting the event’s importance in fostering talent and unity.

The Be Happy Basketball Tournament continues to grow in stature as a major platform for discovering and nurturing basketball talent across Nigeria.

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