The South Sudan Basketball Association (SSBA) has commissioned a new basketball court in Warrap State, marking a major milestone in the development of the sport in the country. The court, which was built with the support of local authorities and the community, is expected to provide a much-needed space for basketball players and enthusiasts in the area.
Representatives attended the commissioning ceremony, which was held on March 10, 2023, from the SSBA, the Warrap State government, and the local community. Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Secretary General of SSBA, Dr Aru Ramadhan, hailed the construction of the court as a “great achievement” for basketball in South Sudan.
Today marks a great milestone in the development of basketball in South Sudan,” Aru said. “We are grateful to the local authorities and the community for their support in building this court, which will provide a space for basketball players to hone their skills and showcase their talents.”
The commissioning of the court comes at a time when basketball is gaining popularity in South Sudan, which is home to some of the tallest people in the world. In recent years, several South Sudanese basketball players have made a name for themselves in the international basketball scene, including the likes of Luol Deng and Manute Bol.
Despite the growing popularity of the sport, however, basketball facilities in South Sudan remain scarce. The commissioning of the new court in Warrap State is therefore seen as a significant step towards addressing this issue and promoting the growth of the sport in the country.
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Governor of Warrap State, Gen Manhiem Bol, thanked the SSBA for their efforts in promoting basketball in the area and pledged his government’s support for the development of the sport.
“We are proud to host this new basketball court in Warrap State and we are committed to supporting the growth of basketball in our region,” Bol said. “We believe that sports, including basketball, can play a key role in promoting unity, peace, and development in our country.”
The commissioning of the basketball court in Warrap State is therefore not just a victory for basketball enthusiasts in the area, but also a symbol of hope for the future of the sport in South Sudan. With more investments and support, basketball has the potential to become a major sport in the country and contribute to its overall development.