American Cola reveals renovated basketball facility in Ilupeju

Planet Bottling Company, the manufacturer of American Cola, has launched the American Cola Creative Court, a revamped basketball court in Ilupeju, Lagos, in collaboration with the Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area.

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This newly transformed facility has been repurposed as a vibrant multi-purpose creative space, aimed at fostering grassroots sports, urban culture, and youth expression, following a complete overhaul of the popular basketball court.

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Naji Awada, Marketing Manager of Planet Bottling Company, outlined the project's objectives, stating that the initiative seeks to develop grassroots basketball and create opportunities for young talents to flourish.

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According to Awada, the project's scope extends beyond mere cosmetic enhancements, as it seeks to rekindle the passion for basketball, nurture emerging talents, and bring communities together, with a long-term strategy to make a lasting impact in various communities.

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Franklyn Eluagu, Communications Manager of Planet Bottling Company, revealed that the company is actively identifying basketball communities across Lagos, with a view to upgrading facilities and improving conditions for players, in line with American Cola's global affinity for basketball.

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Eluagu explained that the company's efforts are focused on supporting the growth of basketball in Lagos and beyond, by enhancing the conditions of players, courts, and communities, thereby ensuring the game's continued development.

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As part of the initiative, American Cola presented sets of jerseys to the male and female basketball teams of the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, with the kits expected to be used by the teams for the next two years.

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Olamilekan Adeyi, Leader of the Legislative House of the LCDA, acknowledged the positive impact of the partnership, stating that it has already begun to benefit youths in the area, with many participants from the local government and beyond using the newly renovated court.

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Adeyi expressed pride in the local government's partnership with American Cola, highlighting the importance of providing youths with alternatives to street life through sports and other activities.

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The renovation of the court coincided with the second edition of the American Cola Shoot the Hoop and Half Court tournaments, featuring 24 teams in each competition, with some matches taking place during the unveiling of the newly renovated court.

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The participating teams competed for a share of the ₦5m prize pool, with the winner of the Shoot the Hoop competition set to receive ₦800,000, and the second- and third-placed teams receiving ₦400,000 and ₦200,000, respectively.

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In the Half Court competition, the winners will receive a prize of ₦2m, with the runners-up and third-placed team receiving ₦1m and ₦500,000, respectively.