*SWAN President Hails organisers
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
In an event that turned emotional, with some shedding tears of joy, Mango Foundation at the weekend in Kaduna, doled out almost three million Naira to basketball ball players, coaches and son of a deceased veteran player.
The emotions filled the air at the closing session of the 2nd Edition of the Mango Foundation Basketball 80-Man Camp in Kaduna State, heid at the prestigious
Kadakings Basketball Court, UNTL Club Ungwan Sunday, Kaduna on Saturday.
Our correspondent can confirm that cheques were presented to the 23 beneficiaries, comprising 20 buffing players, two coaches and the little boy, whose father died from a mob action following mistaken identity in Kaduna some time back.
The cheques presentation was the highpoint of a three-day basketball camp featuring young lads, comprising male and female players, courtesy of Mango Foundation.
The camp in its second edition, which was planned for 80 players, attracted over 120, given the coaches a Herculean task to select the 50 who made it to the final action on day three.
The 20 beneficiaries of the N100,000 cheques each, from Mango Foundation to support their education, were those who distinguished themselves from exhibition matches played during the closing ceremony, which was attended by several dignitaries, including the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, who praised the organisers for the noble gesture.
Also present, was the Kaduna State Commissioner of Sports Development, Professor Ben Gugong, who in his remarks, assured that the State government will partner Mango Foundation in subsequent editions.
In an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the closing session, coordinator of the camp,
Coach James Fungen said it’s an 80-man camp from where the best 50 will be picked, some will get international and national scholarships.
He explained that the Mango Foundation is about empowering the kids
“The CEO has taken it upon himself to ensure that it will be an annual event.
“Some of the kids have prospects for international schools. Those here, we are able to get them admission in Polytechnics and universities in Nigeria
“The foundations aims at empowering players here in Nigeria. We were expecting 80 players, but we got up to 120 at the camp,” he said.
Also speaking, Founder/CEO Mango Foundation, Yusuf Yakubu who is a United States of America citizen, said that he will ensure he works if possible 24 hours to ensure he betters the life of Nigerian kids.
“As a US citizen who is Nigerian born in Kaduna, this is where I was born, so I am back home to help my people. I am out for community development that’s what is important,” he said.
Fielding a question on the expectations from the camp, he said that, ” Going forward, expectation is to secure local scholarship for the kids some abroad and others here in Nigeria. Those at home deserve nothing less than scholarship. I hope to service not less than 20 scholarships for the kids,” he said.
On how much money was spent on organizing the camp, he refused to give figures, but however, explained that a lot of sacrifices were put in.
” We had officials sacrifice to make this happen. These coaches here weren’t paid, they were here to support. I am willing to come back here next year if we get all the support.
“I work with Boeing and these people have changed my life, making the kids understand that is very important,” he said.
Also speaking to sports writers, Amina Sarafa, 18 years old female player, who was one of those selected, said that she hopes to inspire other girls.
” I played NIPOGA we won the gold I represented Kadpoly. I have playing basketball for four years. I thank Mango Foundation for this wonderful opportunity,” she said
Also speaking, David Odoh, male, 22 years old, said that he is excited to have been picked out of the 120 that attended the camp.
“I hope to play professional basketball at the NBA someday so I can mentor other young players,” he declared.
For Coach Gambo Danjuma Yabube who l received N500,000 cheque from Mango Foundation, the emotions at the venue knew no bounds.
Presenting the cheque to him, MANGO Foundation CEO explained that it was him that actually shaped his basketball career.
Another beneficiary of a cheque of N50,000 was a coach who attended the camp from Kano to contribute his quota.
