The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and PETROSEN have inaugurated a renovated basketball court at University Gaston Berger (UGB) in Saint-Louis, Senegal. This is the first infrastructure delivered under a program to renovate six sports facilities in Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. The initiative aims to provide young people with quality sports facilities and strengthen the community impact of sports. The renovated court was officially opened on September 30, 2026.
The president of the BAL, Amadou Gallo Fall, highlighted the significance of choosing Saint-Louis for the inauguration. He emphasized that the city's historical importance and its role in Senegal's future energy sector make it an ideal location for this project. Fall also stressed that the partnership's objective goes beyond promoting basketball, aiming to provide young people with secure facilities and contribute to community development.
Thierno Seydou Ly, CEO of PETROSEN Holding SA, recalled the company's commitment to various projects in Saint-Louis, including oil and gas initiatives, as well as a technical control center to enhance road safety. Ly emphasized the importance of youth in PETROSEN's development strategy, stating that promoting sports and excellence can create new opportunities.
Professor Hassane Diakhaté, director of the UFR des sciences de l'éducation, de la formation et du sport at UGB, welcomed the renovation, which addresses a pressing need. The multisport facility is used for pedagogical activities and by Saint-Louis basketball, handball, and volleyball leagues. Diakhaté noted that the BAL and PETROSEN's intervention improved the court, lighting, and electronic equipment.
The renovated infrastructure strengthens UGB's sports facilities, which also include an Olympic pool and a gym. The partners see this project as a way to make sports a lever for youth empowerment, learning, and opportunities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sports development in Senegal and Africa.
The BAL and PETROSEN's partnership demonstrates their commitment to community development through sports. By providing quality facilities, they aim to promote youth engagement and create new opportunities for growth. The renovated court at UGB is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The inauguration of the renovated basketball court marks a new chapter in the development of sports infrastructure in Senegal. The BAL and PETROSEN's collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships aimed at promoting sports and community development in Africa. The project's impact is expected to be felt beyond the sports sector, contributing to the country's social and economic growth.
Key points
- The BAL and PETROSEN have partnered to renovate six sports facilities in Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria.
- The renovated court at UGB aims to provide young people with quality sports facilities and promote community development.
- The partnership demonstrates the BAL and PETROSEN's commitment to using sports as a lever for youth empowerment and community growth.
