Ugandan basketball legend Norman Blick has launched a youth empowerment initiative at Kisaakye Primary School, providing equipment and athletic training to underprivileged students in a bid to bridge the gap between sports and academics.
The program, titled “Be Strong, Strong Bodies, Strong Minds” through Basketball, was inaugurated in Mengo with a donation of 50 pairs of shoes, jerseys and basketballs.
Blick said the drive was born from his experience coaching talented children who were forced to train in sandals or bare feet.
Most of these children have the passion to play, but they don’t have shoes, which hinders them from enjoying the sport, Blick said. We even had to consider not allowing those without shoes to train, which was very difficult because they were so willing to play.
The initiative grew into a broader equipment drive supported by donations from the United Kingdom.
Blick said he collaborated with family members to collect used items to ship to Uganda, with the goal of expanding the program to schools nationwide.
Beyond the physical requirements of the game, Blick emphasized that the academy focuses on life skills such as discipline, teamwork and communication.
“Basketball keeps the body healthy and strengthens the mind,” Blick said.
“If children start playing at a young age, by the time they reach under-15 and under-18 levels, they are already well developed. I would love to see some of these children progress to the national team,”he added.
The academy established a small court and regular training sessions at Kisaakye Primary School after administrators requested more diverse extracurricular options. Previously, the school’s primary outside activity was limited to debating.
Agnes Nassozi, Head of Academics at Kisaakye Primary School, said the introduction of structured physical activity has led to improved student performance in regular assessments.
The program has helped us a lot, especially in improving academic performance, Nassozi said. Learners now have structured time for physical activity, which helps them stay active and focused in class.
Blick, who has been working with the students for nearly a year, said the talent and vibrancy of the learners have secured his long-term commitment to the program.
Basketball in Uganda has grown from its introduction by Peace Corps to a vibrant semi-professional scene centered in Kampala.
