After the eventful three days of the first Basketball without Borders Africa camp hosted in Luanda, Angola, the final day of the event recognized some of the most talented young boys and girls who were the most outstanding during the camp. After a series of morning games for boys and girls, it was the time for the most anticipated games of the week – Boys and Girls All-Star Games.
Both games provided some unforgettable moments with the most outstanding players of the camp taking home top awards: SAA High Flyer was Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua of Cameroon, Helmarc Three-Point Champions were Maria Macedo of Angola (girls) and Watida Mukulula of Zimbabwe (boys), Nike All-Star Game Most Valuable Players were Geovana Dongua of Angola (girls) and Cheikh Faye of Senegal with Nike Camp Most Valuable Player awards going to Chanaya Pinto of Mozambique (girls) and Patrick Mwamba of DRC (boys).
The camp was a special moment for Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo who applauded all, but especially the young Patrick Mwamba who raised the Nike Camp MVP Trophy.
“It was awesome to see one of the kids from my camp to be the MVP here. I am really thankful that we got to do it here in Angola and that different people got exposed to what the NBA is doing in Africa,” said Biyombo. “It was a blessing to be a part of this, great to see a lot of kids improve and hopefully a lot of kids will be inspired from this moment on.”
Halftime provided some unforgettable moments as well with basketball legends, including Victor Muzadi, Carlos Morais and Joaquim Gomes of Angola, taking the court for a short exhibition game.
“This is the very first time Basketball without Borders came to Angola and I think it was about time because we have been so successful in Africa,” said Gomes. “As you can tell, everybody was excited, everybody was happy today. We got an opportunity to exchange some experience with NBA players and I am just proud. Basketball is a way of life in Angola.”
The 14th edition of the Basketball without Borders Africa camp may be in history books now, but the great memories and shared moments will stay with everyone involved. Thank you Luanda.
