The third edition of the Elevate Basketball Clinic is scheduled to hold on October 17 at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba, Lagos. Organised by Elevate Basketball Academy in partnership with the Lagos State Basketball Association, the event has grown rapidly since its inception in 2024. This year's clinic aims to provide a platform for mentorship, leadership, and community empowerment, extending beyond a typical sporting event.
The clinic's coordinator, Gbade Olatona, expressed enthusiasm for the event's steady rise in popularity. He noted that each year, more young people are eager to join, with hundreds of participants under the age of 16 expected to attend this year's one-day programme. This turnout is a testament to the clinic's growing influence in the community.
Akinwande Oshodi, the founder and sponsor of the initiative, revealed that the project is deeply personal to him. As a Lagosian based in the United States, Oshodi understands the challenges facing young people in Nigeria. He credits basketball with teaching him valuable life lessons, including discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of believing in something greater than himself.
Oshodi's mission with Elevate Basketball Academy is to use basketball as a vehicle for personal growth. He aims to help young athletes build confidence, discipline, and resilience, preparing them for life beyond the court. The academy's approach includes youth clinics, mentorship, character development, and community outreach, providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents while strengthening values that lead to success.
Olatona emphasised that the clinic is not solely focused on producing athletes but on shaping leaders, responsible citizens, and agents of change. He envisions a future where basketball becomes a pathway to hope, growth, and transformation for young people. The Elevate Basketball Academy continues to demonstrate that the game can transcend sport, serving as a bridge between aspiration and opportunity.
The Elevate Basketball Clinic has become a significant event in the Lagos sports calendar, offering a unique experience for young participants. By combining sports with mentorship and character development, the clinic provides a holistic approach to personal growth. As the event approaches, anticipation is building among participants, organisers, and the wider community.
The upcoming clinic is expected to build on the successes of previous editions, further solidifying the Elevate Basketball Academy's reputation as a driving force for positive change in the lives of young people. With its focus on empowerment, leadership, and community, the event is poised to make a lasting impact on its participants and the broader community.
Key points
- Hundreds of participants under 16 are expected to attend the one-day programme.
- The clinic aims to provide a platform for mentorship, leadership, and community empowerment.
- The event is organised by Elevate Basketball Academy in partnership with the Lagos State Basketball Association.
