American Cola has unveiled its newly renovated basketball court in Ilupeju, Lagos, as part of its efforts to support grassroots basketball and provide better facilities for young talents in the community.
The unveiling, held in partnership with the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, also featured the presentation of new jerseys to the council’s male and female basketball teams, as well as the second edition of the American Cola Shoot the Hoop and Half Court tournaments.
The revamped facility, now known as the American Cola Creative Court, is expected to serve as a platform for basketball development while providing young people with opportunities to engage in other creative and cultural activities.
Marketing Manager of Planet Bottling Company, Naji Awada, while speaking during the unveiling, said the initiative was designed to go beyond the physical renovation of the court and help nurture talents.
“This project is not about paint, new hoops, or putting up a logo on that fence. It’s about renewing the passion for basketball, bringing talent into this court, hopefully seeing stars because of this court.
“And it’s about bringing communities together, building friendships, building memories, and hopefully building a future for one of these great talents that we have here today.”
Awada said the company was looking beyond the Ilupeju project, noting that it intended to replicate similar initiatives in other communities.
“Hopefully it will not be the last project when it comes to basketball. We are looking to do more, especially in different communities, to bring together all of the people under the same roof, which is the talent that mostly we miss out on, because no one is giving them the right attention.
“Hopefully we will be on that road, and we will do such beautiful things for that sport.”
Also speaking, Communications Manager of Planet Bottling Company, Franklyn Eluagu, said the company was identifying basketball communities across Lagos where it could improve playing facilities and create better conditions for players.
