The recent Euroleague Classic at the Movistar Arena ended on a heartwarming note, with a moment that underscored the deep connection between two players from different teams. Serge Ibaka, the veteran center for Real Madrid, was seen embracing and chatting with Sayon Keita, a young player from Barcelona. What makes this encounter special is the bond they share, one that goes beyond the realm of teammates or opponents. Sayon Keita, who just turned 17, was discovered by the academies founded by Serge Ibaka, a testament to the impact the veteran player’s foundation has had on the lives of young athletes in Africa.
Serge Ibaka’s life story is one of resilience and determination. Having experienced a childhood marked by adversity, including the loss of his mother at a young age and surviving the civil war in the Congo, Ibaka is deeply committed to helping others overcome similar challenges. His foundation, established in 2015, aims to inspire and support children and young adults worldwide, encouraging them to believe in themselves despite the obstacles they may face. Ibaka’s own journey, from facing extreme hardship to becoming a successful NBA player with 919 games under his belt and a championship title, is a living embodiment of the foundation’s motto: #Todoesposible (Everything is Possible).
The foundation’s work is not just about providing opportunities for young athletes to become professionals; it’s also about guiding them through their journey, ensuring they develop not just as players, but as individuals. Ibaka emphasizes the importance of giving African youth a chance to shine, citing his own experiences as a driving force behind his mission. “For me, it’s very important to give opportunities to young Africans and have them see they have a close reference. It’s not just about being professionals; it’s about accompanying them on their path. The work depends on them, but I can use my 17 years of professional experience to guide and advise them so they have the best habits,” he shared.
The Power of Sports for a Better Future
A key component of Ibaka’s foundation is the Serge Ibaka Dreams Academy, which focuses on providing young talents with the opportunity to develop their skills in basketball. The academy offers a platform for children between the ages of 8 and 16 to train and potentially earn scholarships to study abroad, using basketball as a bridge to educational opportunities. Sayon Keita, standing at 2.12 meters tall, is one of the gems discovered through this initiative. Despite initial challenges, including nutritional deficiencies and limited experience in basketball, Keita showed immense potential. He was first spotted by Mohamed Maiga, the director of the Serge Ibaka Dreams Academy in Bamako, who was intrigued by the young boy’s height and agility.
Keita’s journey with the Dreams Academy began with a comprehensive plan that included both sports training and nutritional support. Pere Gallego, the director of the Ibaka Foundation, recalled being impressed by Keita’s agility, natural instinct for the game, and eagerness to learn. This led to a proposal for Keita to join the academy, marking the beginning of his path towards becoming a professional basketball player. The academy’s approach not only focuses on developing basketball skills but also on providing a nurturing environment that fosters emotional and physical growth.
Sayon Keita’s progression has been remarkable. From his early days at the Movistar Estudiantes to being signed by Barcelona in the summer of 2023, he has consistently shown promise. His debut with the Barcelona first team, although brief, was a significant milestone. Ibaka, who has been a mentor and supporter of Keita through his foundation, couldn’t be prouder of the young player’s achievements. “Sayon is a good kid, very respectful. He likes to listen to coaches and more experienced players, and he is a hard worker. He has great potential to be a professional for many years if he stays focused on his path and has a vision for himself, which is the key,” Ibaka praised.
The bond between Ibaka and Keita is more than just a mentorship; it’s a testament to the power of sports to transform lives and bridge gaps. Their embrace on the court after the Euroleague Classic was more than a gesture of sportsmanship; it was a celebration of hope, resilience, and the belief that everything is indeed possible with determination and the right support. As Ibaka’s foundation continues to inspire and nurture young talents, stories like Sayon Keita’s remind us that the true victory lies not in the games we win, but in the lives we touch and the futures we help shape.