Talent Africa Group supported the Henrison Basketball Academy (HBA) Christmas Cup, a one-day basketball tournament held at Kabira Country Club for children aged 8 to 16, which featured thrilling activities such as shooting competitions, dunk showcases, one-on-one matchups, and competitive five-a-side games across various age brackets.
The academy, founded by former Falcons player Henry Mbaziira, aims to bridge gaps in Uganda’s basketball development system.
Speaking about the tournament, Mbaziira shared his vision: “It was a fantastic event for the kids, full of fun and energy. My passion for basketball and years of experience drove me to start this academy to address the shortcomings in our basketball framework. Beyond skills like shooting and dribbling, sports help instill discipline, confidence, and health in young people, keeping them positively engaged throughout the holidays.”
During the tournament
Mbaziira highlighted the challenges grassroots basketball faces in Uganda, including insufficient funding and inadequate facilities, urging the basketball federation and stakeholders to step in with support.
“We need better resources and technical assistance to nurture talent effectively,” he emphasized.
Talent Africa’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Aly Allibhai, CEO of Talent Africa Group, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to empowering the youth:
“Sports programs like the HBA Christmas Cup are crucial in shaping the next generation by fostering teamwork, discipline, and a positive outlook on life. We’re honored to sponsor initiatives that inspire young talent and build strong foundations for their future.”
The HBA Christmas Cup showcased the academy’s dedication to nurturing talent and emphasized the importance of youth engagement beyond sports.
Parents were encouraged to enroll their children in the academy’s programs, which run from Monday to Saturday, offering not just basketball training but essential life skills development.
This collaboration between Talent Africa Group and HBA highlighted the significance of grassroots sports initiatives in promoting holistic child development while addressing challenges in Uganda’s sports ecosystem.
