Back to School’ Programme: Grinders Basketball Foundation Empowers 55 Student-Athletes

‘Back to School’ Programme: Grinders Basketball Foundation Empowers 55 Student-Athletes
By Core Reporters
Abuja (Core Reporters) — The Grinders Basketball Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development by empowering about 55 student-athletes at the 8th edition of its annual “Back to School” programme held over the weekend in Abuja.

The initiative, targeted at student-athletes in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, provided beneficiaries with cash donations, exercise books, school bags and other essential educational materials to support them ahead of the new academic session.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Foundation, Umar Abdullahi, said the programme was designed to provide relief and motivation to student-athletes in need while reinforcing the connection between sports and education.
“Sports and education go hand in hand, and that is why we continue to invest in this gesture,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the initiative was aimed at inspiring the next generation of basketball players by supporting talented young people to excel in sports without compromising their education.
“As a foundation, we have been impacted by sports, and we are pooling our resources together to empower talented individuals to excel in sports while remaining in school.
“We started this initiative eight years ago within our immediate community, but following the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded our reach to include beneficiaries from other areas,” he said.
The 8th edition also featured a solemn tribute to a former member of the Foundation, Musa Abba, who died in a ghastly accident six days before the event.
A minute of silence was observed during the half-time break of a memorial match organised in his honour. The match featured members of the Grinders Foundation and more than 30 selected basketball players from the Abuja basketball community.
Also speaking, the Provost of the Foundation, Omeiza Aliu, and its Public Relations Officer, Alhassan Joseph Enbago, assured that the Foundation would continue to expand the programme to reach more students across the country.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Foundation, saying the educational materials and financial support would significantly ease the burden of resumption and enhance their academic pursuits.
Dignitaries at the event included the Initiator of the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Igoche Mark; General Bindul Ibrahim; Dr. Ayo Daniels, among others.
The “Back to School” programme, which commenced in 2018, has become one of the Grinders Basketball Foundation’s flagship community initiatives, promoting education, discipline and sporting excellence among young Nigerians.