The ExxonMobil Jr. NBA League Angola Finals concluded on December 14 at the Pavilhão Dream Space in Luanda, Angola, with Sylvia Fowles, a two-time WNBA champion and eight-time All-Star, in attendance. The Instituto Medio de Administração Gestão (Boston Celtics) emerged as the champions in both the girls’ and boys’ divisions after seven months of competitive play since the league’s launch in May.
Operated by PanAfricare, the league engaged over 12,000 young participants in its inaugural season. In addition to basketball, the league incorporated an educational STEM program for players and students from participating schools. The STEM program focused on practical and theoretical lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, emphasizing teamwork, time management, self-esteem, and the science behind sports.
The STEM program kicked off in May and featured educational experiments such as measuring heartbeats, angles, and dimensions related to basketball. The youth were able to apply their knowledge to understand the dynamics of the game and its rules.
Katrina Fisher, the ExxonMobil Lead Country Manager for Angola, highlighted the program’s impact on promoting basketball and integrating STEM sessions for over 10,000 students in Luanda. She emphasized the values of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and competition instilled through the program, essential for academic, professional, and personal growth.
Kita Matungulu, NBA Africa Director of Basketball Operations, praised the first season of the Jr. NBA for showcasing basketball as a tool for education and positive social change. He expressed gratitude to ExxonMobil for their commitment and support and looked forward to continuing to impact the youth of Angola both on and off the court.
The successful integration of sports, education, and STEM in the ExxonMobil Jr. NBA League Angola Finals underscores the potential of basketball as a platform for holistic development. The engagement and enthusiasm of the youth and coaches throughout the season demonstrate the power of the game to shape young minds and foster positive values. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
