Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire - In a significant development for the youth of Koumassi, a suburb of Abidjan, Wave Côte d'Ivoire, in partnership with the Basketball Africa League (BAL), has renovated and inaugurated the basketball court at the Lac de Koumassi school complex. The refurbished facility was unveiled on October 3, 2026, and is set to provide a modern and safe environment for young people to engage in sports and personal development.
The renovated basketball court is expected to benefit nearly 3,000 young practitioners every week, including 2,500 students from eight local schools. The infrastructure boasts a state-of-the-art lighting system, allowing for evening basketball practice, and features benches made from recycled plastic. This project aims to increase access to basketball and promote the development of young talents in the area.
Beyond the physical renovation, the project includes a program to develop basketball skills for 300 young girls under the age of 18. Additionally, the court will host the Ligue Jeune (U18) competitions every Saturday. Moussa Diarra, President of the Fédération Ivoirienne de Basket-Ball (FIBB), has committed to ensuring the proper use and maintenance of the facility.
According to Katier Bamba, Managing Director of Wave Côte d'Ivoire, the initiative seeks to provide the youth with a "safe, modern, and conducive environment for growth." He emphasized the growing popularity of basketball in Côte d'Ivoire and the partnership's excitement to work with BAL in creating sustainable opportunities for the community.
The renovated court features a completely rehabilitated floor, new panels, and professional markings, meeting the standards for hosting local and regional competitions. Amadou Fall Gano, President of BAL, highlighted that the renovation aligns with the league's commitment to the sustainable development of basketball in Côte d'Ivoire.
The partnership between Wave Côte d'Ivoire and BAL is part of the broader NBA Africa program, which aims to construct or rehabilitate 1,000 basketball courts across the continent over the next decade. This initiative in Koumassi underscores the importance of basketball in fostering social cohesion and providing opportunities for young people.
Both partners have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their efforts in support of Ivoirian youth through sports, focusing on infrastructure development and training initiatives. The renovated basketball court in Koumassi represents a significant step towards achieving these goals and enhancing the lives of young people in the community.
Key points
- Wave Côte d'Ivoire and BAL renovate basketball court in Koumassi to benefit 3,000 young practitioners.
- The renovated court features modern infrastructure, including a lighting system and recycled plastic benches.
- The project is part of the NBA Africa program to construct or rehabilitate 1,000 basketball courts across the continent.
