The event, held at Kabira Country Club brought together young players for action-packed activities, including shooting competitions, dunk showcases, one-on-one matchups, and exciting five-a-side contests across different age categories.

Speaking about the event, Henry Mbaziira, a former Falcons player and founder of the Henrison Basketball Academy, expressed his enthusiasm:
“It was a good event for the kids, and visibly, they clearly had fun. I started the academy because of my passion for basketball and my experience in the game. There are loopholes in our basketball system that need to be addressed.”

Mbaziira emphasized the importance of producing well-rounded players with strong shooting, dribbling, and game intelligence skills. He also highlighted the broader benefits of sports for children, beyond physical fitness.

“Sport is good for kids, not just to keep them busy and fit. It contributes to their health, discipline, self-confidence, and other invaluable skills. We want to keep them away from gadgets and bad habits by engaging them throughout the holidays.”

Aly Alibhai, CEO of Talent Africa Group, shared his excitement about sponsoring the tournament:
“Talent Africa is dedicated to supporting initiatives that inspire and develop young talent. Sports programs like the HBA Christmas Cup are vital in shaping the future of our youth and promoting positive values through teamwork and discipline.”

Mr. Mbaziira also called attention to the challenges faced by grassroots basketball in Uganda, including limited financial resources and inadequate facilities. He urged the basketball federation and stakeholders to provide more support in terms of equipment and technical assistance.

The HBA Christmas Cup underscored the academy’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering holistic development in children. Parents were encouraged to enroll their children in the academy’s ongoing programs, which run Monday through Saturday and focus not only on basketball but also on essential life skills.

Talent Africa Group is proud to have played a part in this impactful event and remains committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and athletes through sports and community initiatives.