Mo Bamba is living out his NBA dreams with the Orlando Magic. Fresh off signing a two-year, $21 million deal this offseason, Bamba is now helping youth in West Africa reach new heights.
This week, Bamba dedicated a new basketball facility at the SOS Village Abobo-Gare in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The complex features two FIBA-spec basketball courts and rehabilitates electricity and plumbing throughout the village.
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Several children will also have access to over 100 pairs of basketball sneakers. Through his foundation, Bamba collected sneakers from teammates to donate to the Ivory Coast basketball development program.
“This is an extremely personal project and I’m proud of how it’s all reflected in the courts,” Bamba told NBA.com. “Everything down to the smallest of details represents an important part of my life, from my African roots to my Harlem upbringing (and) honoring my family who made this all possible.
“Mahama (Coulibaly) helped us identify some incredible local artists and architects who perfectly captured all the intersections of my heritage and I’m so appreciative for all their hard work.”
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Bamba interacted with several children during a special ceremony. The kids were able to participate in drills and enjoy the new courts. Bamba also wants to stay connected to the community. He mentioned plans to be involved in weekly athletic and academic programs.
“I’m not here in Abidjan to just shake a few hands, snap a few photos, and pass on through,” Bamba said. “I plan to be back next summer, and in the meantime, we’ve got weekly after-school athletic and academic programs that I’ll be involved with. This is going to grow elsewhere too.”
Later this month, Bamba will also take part in the Basketball Without Borders Africa Camp. It will take place from Aug. 28-31 at the Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo, Egypt.
Bamba will join fellow NBA players Malcolm Brogdon, Udoka Azubuike, Grant Williams as instructors. They will work alongside Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo and NBA coaches Steve Kerr, Chauncey Billups and Willie Green among others.
The campers will compete in basketball drills and play in 5-on-5 games. They will also receive different leadership development sessions as well.
“The spirit of what my dad has taught me since I was young was to continue to not only want more, but to give more,” Bamba wrote on Twitter.
This season, Bamba is entering his fifth year with the Magic. He averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 71 games last year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Daily Sports Smile: Mo Bamba dedicates basketball facility in West Africa