The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Quest Water Global have partnered to build 55 basketball courts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in honor of Dikembe Mutombo, a late four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. The collaboration is part of NBA Africa's commitment to build or renovate 1000 courts across the continent over the next decade. This initiative aims to promote basketball as a tool for teaching young people discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership, and service to others.
The partnership between NBA Africa and Quest Water Global kicked off with the unveiling of a new outdoor basketball court at Cercle Onatra in Kinshasa City. The court, which features Mutombo's iconic No. 55 jersey number at center court, is expected to serve thousands of youths from the local community each year. The unveiling was celebrated with a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA clinic for 80 local coaches. A second court will be unveiled in Mutombo's hometown of Mbuji-Mayi in the coming weeks.
Dikembe Mutombo believed that basketball was a powerful tool for teaching young people valuable life skills. His legacy continues to inspire future generations through this court build initiative. Rose Mutombo, Dikembe's representative, expressed hope that the courts will help inspire young people to embrace these values, pursue education, and discover the opportunities the game can create.
Quest Water Global, a socially responsible water solutions company, has been named the League's Official Infrastructure Development Partner in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company's CEO, John Balanko, stated that the collaboration reflects their shared belief that healthy communities need more than one thing – they need clean water, safe spaces, and the opportunity to grow.
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi emphasized that the collaboration with Quest Water Global will expand access to basketball across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country that holds a special place in the history of the game due to Mutombo's impact and legacy. The initiative aims to create more opportunities for young people in the DRC to follow in Mutombo's footsteps both as players and leaders.
Dikembe Mutombo had a remarkable basketball career, spending 18 years in the NBA and earning numerous accolades, including eight NBA All-Star appearances and four Defensive Player of the Year awards. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 and recognized for his philanthropic and humanitarian work, including the construction of a hospital in Kinshasa.
The collaboration between NBA Africa and Quest Water Global is a significant step towards promoting basketball and community development in Africa. With 55 courts to be built in the DRC and a goal of 1000 courts across the continent, this initiative has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of young people.
Key points
- NBA Africa and Quest Water Global partner to build 55 basketball courts in DR Congo, part of a plan to build or renovate 1000 courts across Africa.
- The initiative aims to promote basketball as a tool for teaching young people valuable life skills and creating opportunities for community development.
- The partnership honors the legacy of Dikembe Mutombo, a late NBA star and humanitarian who believed in the power of basketball to inspire and educate young people.
