NBA players and coaches attended an emotional and uplifting dedication ceremony at Ithuteng Trust as part of the Basketball without Borders Africa today. The group, including Boris Diaw, Rasual Butler, Chris Duhon, Kyle Korver, Luke Walton, Jerome Williams and former NBA player Manute Bol joined U.S. Ambassador Eric M. Bost in the opening of a new dining facility funded by the U.S. Embassy.

Jerome Williams (NBA Europe)

The afternoon began with the children excitedly greeting the players as they came off the bus. Taking them by the hands, the kids led the players towards Ithuteng, welcoming them with singing and dancing. Once inside, the children of Ithuteng took center stage showcasing their talent. Dances and ceremonial dress were on display as the students introduced the players to a variety of traditional dances and songs.

The program then moved to a drama presentation that ranged from comedic to powerful to emotionally charged. One skit addressed the importance of education and the power it provides to those that are active learners. Another covered some of the struggles that the students at the program have been through including the loss of parents and sexual and emotional abuse. A particularly sad moment followed as a short choral memorial was held for a student who tragically died last week. The dining hall was named after him.

The players, coaches, and Ambassador were then led by Ithuteng students to plant flowers in the memorial rose garden outside the new dinning hall facility. Dressed in zebra-stripped cloaks, the group posed for a picture before cutting the ribbon and heading inside the sparkling new facility, accompanied all along by singing and dancing. Inside, the guests were treated to the first official meal served at the facility, and the players even lent a hand serving plates of food to guests.

An emotional and uplifting day was enjoyed by all in attendance. This was the third visit to Ithuteng Trust by the NBA as part of the Basketball without Borders camp.