By Chol D. Johnson
The National Minister of Youth and Sports, Mary Nawai Martin, has called on South Sudanese youth to combat tribalism and corruption through active participation in sports.
Speaking on Saturday during the NBA Jr. basketball final in Juba, Minister Nawai emphasized that sports teach discipline, unity, and transparency while fostering national development.
“Through sport participation, the youth will fight corruption, tribalism, and work for the development of South Sudan,” she said.
Minister Nawai praised the Luol Deng Foundation for its efforts in promoting basketball among South Sudanese youth and raising the country’s profile internationally.
“We have realized the commitment of the Luol Deng Foundation and their great achievement in raising the flag of South Sudan in basketball,” she said.
She also urged the government to create proper playing grounds so young people can exercise freely and safely.
“It’s a great day to see young people coming together through sport. Sport represents discipline, unity, love, commitment, transparency, and is beyond tribes,” Nawai said.
Highlighting the broader impact of sports, she added that youth participation helps build hardworking, responsible citizens and can elevate South Sudan in international sports competitions.
“Our country will be at the top of the world through basketball, with the commitment of youth participation in sport,” she said.
Minister Nawai also thanked Stanbic Bank for supporting youth sports initiatives, stressing that government and private sector partnerships are vital.
“I appreciate Stanbic Bank for the support. The government cannot work alone without the private sector,” she said.
The remarks came during a thrilling final match of the Stanbic Jr. NBA League Season 2, where Gumbo Basic Primary School (Gumbo Hawks) edged Liberty Primary School (Liberty Clipper) 38-37 in the final moments. Gumbo Hawks were crowned champions, winning by a single point.
The league, one of the largest youth basketball competitions in South Sudan, brings together young players aged 16 and under from schools across Juba. It provides structured competition, mentorship, and exposure to professional basketball development programs.
Arek Aldo Ajou, Press Secretary in the Office of the President and CEO of the Luol Deng Foundation, commended the NBA for transforming the lives of 450 children and supporting over 30 schools in the tournament.
“Thanks to the NBA for transforming the lives of 450 kids. Let’s spread the love of the country through sports to all ten states and three administrative areas,” she said.
The league follows the official NBA Jr. League model, widely used around the world to nurture young basketball talent while promoting teamwork, leadership, and life skills.
Fred Ndungu, head of Stanbic Bank South Sudan, which sponsors the tournament, said the NBA Jr. competition is running for the second time and has grown stronger.
“As a bank, we really think that this tournament, the Junior NBA, is a critical need in South Sudan,” Ndungu said.
“The kids, I think it’s an opportunity for them not only to have a good time and enjoy themselves, but there are values that come from participating in sports around discipline, integrity, and accountability that I think are critical to the youth of South Sudan,” she said.
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