I AM Benin : catching the rebounds for leadership and a new zest for life
An initiative by Ian Mahinmi
Ian Mahinmi is a professional French-Beninese basketball player who plays as a centre. In 2011, he won the NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks. In 2017, he created his I AM Foundation – active in the United States, France and Benin – with the goal of promoting youth empowerment through basketball.
Every year, Ian Mahinmi’s foundation organises a three-day basketball camp in Benin to provide young people with an environment conducive to improving their basketball skills and empowering them in their life choices. The most talented players are selected for the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders event, which every year brings together African players with the most potential.
Context
In its Programme of Action for 2016–2021, the Government of Benin has made sport a key human development tool for addressing social inclusion and supporting young people in their schooling and professional aspirations.
The I AM Foundation’s basketball camps programme was designed in close collaboration with the Beninese Basketball Federation. It aims to offer young people the chance to progress in their sports practice, assert leadership and articulate their ambitions.
Goals
- Introduce young people to the basics of basketball and promote the practice of the sport
- Develop the autonomy, perseverance, discipline and teamwork of future young leaders
- Further inspire young people to achieve their goals and demonstrate leadership
Activities
- Holding regular basketball camps and coaching young people on three modules: defence, attack and shooting
- Fundraising and organising community give-back events
- Training coaches in partnership with the Beninese Basketball Federation and various NBA athletes
- Providing sports equipment and awarding scholarships
Learn more about the work carried out by the I AM Foundation in Benin
Impacts
- Around 210 boys and girls aged 13 to 17 took part in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 camps in Benin
- Three young players have benefited from scholarships to continue their careers in France and the United States
- Several young players have been selected for the NBA’s Basket Without Borders camps, which bring together Africa’s best young talent
Funding
- Project supported by Ian Mahinmi through his foundation
You are the manager of this project and you wish to modify/complete this form ? Do not hesitate to contact us through your account !
Photo credits : @IAMFoundation
Location
Benin
Project led by
I AM Foundation
Start date
2017
Project status
Project to support
Sustainable development goals
Last projects published
Good health and well-being
“Wangourou légué ti séni”
Central African Republic
Enfant du Bénin Debout
Good health and well-being
Promoting girls’ health thanks to football in Malawi
Malawi
Ascent Soccer
Good health and well-being
Training coaches in youngsters’ supervision
South Africa
Training4Changes
Good health and well-being
Vulnerable girls’ empowerment via surfing
South Africa
Nine Miles Project
Good health and well-being
Tackle Africa : Sexual health through football
Burkina Faso
Tackle Africa
Sustainable cities and communities
AGORA programme for grassroots sport
Côte d’Ivoire
WinWin Afrique
Good health and well-being
Midzo-Midzo: promoting young people’s well-being through sport
Togo
CADEV
Gender equality
Emancip’action in Burkina Faso through rugby
Burkina Faso
Burkinabe Rugby Federation
Good health and well-being
“Wangourou légué ti séni”
Central African Republic
Enfant du Bénin Debout
Good health and well-being
Promoting girls’ health thanks to football in Malawi
Malawi
Ascent Soccer
Good health and well-being
Training coaches in youngsters’ supervision
South Africa
Training4Changes
Good health and well-being
Vulnerable girls’ empowerment via surfing
South Africa
Nine Miles Project
Good health and well-being
Tackle Africa : Sexual health through football
Burkina Faso
Tackle Africa
Sustainable cities and communities
AGORA programme for grassroots sport
Côte d’Ivoire
WinWin Afrique
Good health and well-being
Midzo-Midzo: promoting young people’s well-being through sport
Togo
CADEV