Morocco has made a historic step in the development of youth sports and officially opened the first NBA Junior League, a visionary project of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) with the help of its sports subsidiary, EVOSPORT. Developed in collaboration with NBA Africa and Act4Community, the project extends way beyond basketball – it is meant to use the sport to empower young people and educate them through it as a potent instrument of social inclusion.
A Historic Launch
The launch was also electric, as leaders of UM6P, Act4Community, and EVOSPORT were present at the ceremony, together with the top executives of the NBA, at the campus of UM6P at Benguerir. Ron Harper, a five-time NBA champion, was present in order to give the international significance of this project a star presence, as well as add credibility to the event. His appearance was a representation of the echo around the world of the new era in youth sports at Morocco and the message that the league hopes to instill in the young generation through basketball.
More Than Just Basketball
Junior NBA League in Morocco is a project with a grand vision and aim. It will:
- Provide young talent with training and competition on a structured basis.
- Encourage inclusiveness where there is no discrimination between boys and girls.
- Market Morocco as an emerging sports destination in Africa that has global recognition.
Amadou Gallo Fall, the president of NBA Africa, described the project as a game-changer, which he explained:
Not only will it popularize basketball it will also provide young Moroccan boys and girls with the chance to both play and learn, as well as develop values of the game.
In fact, basketball is not only about playing basketball but also about learning to work in a team, to be disciplined, to respect, and to be a leader. The lessons do not just equip young athletes in the court but in life as well so that they become responsible citizens and one day they may become leaders.
My Take
The opening of the Junior NBA League in Morocco is one of the sports beyond sports. This initiative is the key to a healthier, more disciplined, and socially integrated generation, with the global power of the NBA combined with the increased focus that Morocco has on youth development.
It is not merely about creating athletes, but responsible, empowered citizens who would be able to move Morocco in the direction on and off the court. When done right, this league would be a model to youth sports programs throughout Africa- making Morocco a leader in both developing basketball and offering education to the community.
It is not a league; it is a legacy that is being made.
