Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, took part in a basketball clinic in Lagos on Sunday, May 12. The royal couple, who were on a three-day visit to Nigeria, visited Ilupeju Grammar School to engage with wheelchair basketball players and young athletes.
The clinic was organized by Giants of Africa, a non-profit organization co-founded by Masai Ujiri, vice-chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors. Giants of Africa is known for its contribution to the construction of the basketball court at Ilupeju Grammar School, unveiled in 2021.
During the event, Harry and Meghan announced their support for the construction of a new Giants of Africa basketball court in Abuja through their Archewell Foundation. This initiative is part of Giants of Africa’s broader goal to invest in sports infrastructure across Africa, with plans to build 100 courts.
Ujiri expressed gratitude for the royal couple’s participation, stating, “We are grateful to be joined by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at this basketball clinic here in Lagos. Basketball has the power to unite communities and inspire young people to reach their full potential. Teaming up with the Archewell Foundation, we look forward to creating experiences for young people, empowering them to become leaders, while also fostering pathways to opportunity and hope.”
Prince Harry praised the work of Giants of Africa, emphasizing the transformative power of sports. “What you guys are doing here at Giants of Africa is truly amazing. The power of sport can change lives. It brings people together and creates community,” he said.
Meghan expressed her excitement to be part of the event, reflecting on her connection to Giants of Africa from her time living in Toronto. “We are thrilled to be here. I lived in Toronto for seven years and that was the first time I’d heard of Giants of Africa – talk about full circle– never did I think we would be able to be here all those years later supporting the expansion of this incredible organization, through our foundation the Archewell Foundation. We’re so grateful and proud of all the work that you’re doing,” she remarked.
