The campers had come from all over Africa; the NBA players and coaches from across oceans. After the morning press conference celebrating the fifth installment of Basketball without Borders Africa, the camp kicked off its first full day of activities. After being split up into the teams they will be playing with for the rest of the camp, the participants had their first up-close interactions as the NBA players and coaches shared their expertise on defense, offense and everything in between, in the morning skill sessions.

Next up for the NBA players was a moving and inspirational afternoon celebrating the 20th anniversary of Soweto Kliptown Youth (SKY) Trust. Soweto stands for SOuth WEstern TOwnship in reference to its location to Johannesburg, and many parts are considered the poorest in Johannesburg. Many residents of Kliptown live in shacks and share toilets and water sources.

Soweto is most known for the Soweto Uprising of 1976 when a massive student protest against government sanctions turned violent. The response was a worldwide public outcry that forced government action in improving day-to-day life in Soweto and would come to play a pivotal role in the abolition of the Apartheid government.

Led by SKY Executive Director Bob “Little Bob” Nameng the group was led on a walking tour through the township to experience first hand life in a township.

To celebrate 20 years of providing children a safe place to learn and grow, the children of SKY danced, drummed, and dramatized their life in Kliptown for the players and guests. During the ceremony, players were able to speak. Primoz Brezec was “without words- but just felt happy and proud to be a part of the celebration.” For Malik Rose, who last was at sky five years ago, said “It was very emotional being here.”

“Little Bob” also shared his personal experience of growing up in the impoverished township of Kliptown and how that got him involved with SKY. He encouraged the children to dream big and use their passion as power to become whatever they want to be in life. Seeing the faces of the children from SKY reafirmed “Little Bob’s” words about his experience keeping SKY open for 20 years: “It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”