- 130 million sport jewel for the benefit of youth
- In partnership with Giants of Africa and Vista Bank
- In line with the sustainable development policy
- Coaching course for 50 young people
The mining company IAMGOLD Essakane in partnership with Giants of Africa and Vista Bank inaugurated the Bobo Dioulasso sports complex on 17 January 2023 in Bobo Dioulasso during an inauguration ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by many participants, including actors from the sports world and local authorities.
The renovation of this field is part of Iamgold’s policy to develop actions and programmes with positive and sustainable impacts in the countries where Iamgold operates. For this reason, Iamgold has signed a partnership agreement with the Giants of Africa Foundation to set up basketball sports facilities in three host countries in Africa, including Burkina Faso.
According to the Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainable Development of Iamgolf Corporation, Oumar Toguyeni: “The renovation of the Bobo-Dioulasso multi-sport complex aims to bring out the best talents and contribute to the emancipation of young people, promote the development of basketball through coaching and training programmes led by famous basketball players and coaches.
The renovation work lasted about 4 months and cost the sum of 130 million FCFA. These works have enabled the complete renovation of the basketball court to international standards, the handball court and the volleyball court. The president of the special delegation Adama Bidiga, after thanking the donors, urged the youth to take charge of this space and take care of it. On the occasion of this ceremony, the representative of Giant of Africa, Joe Tounou called on young people not to abandon their studies for sports, because not everyone will be able to play in the NBA. He particularly encouraged the commitment of girls to develop their leadership.
At the end of the inauguration ceremony of the basketball court, a basketball coaching course was offered by international sports coaches to 50 young people from the city of Bobo Dioulasso.
As a reminder, the mining company Iamgold Essakane SA and its partner Giants of Africa renovated the sports arena of the House of Youth and Culture in Ouagadougou in 2021. They have thus offered the town of Ouagadougou a modern sports complex.
Rachid Ouedraogo
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