London Lions Foundation launches on World Basketball Day

The London Lions Foundation is excited to announce the launch of a new basketball event at the Copper Box Arena in East London. This event is part of our mission to increase access to basketball for communities in London that face high levels of deprivation.

We are proud to be the first foundation of its kind, offering a range of community-supported programmes and projects. From court renovations to summer camps, these initiatives are aimed at strengthening local communities and promoting international basketball excellence. We believe that by providing opportunities for engagement, personal growth, skill development, and leadership, we can create positive change for individuals of all backgrounds.

Our research has shown that many Brits feel cities are forgetting about their children, and people from ethnic minorities often believe that greater access to sport and community programmes could have diverted them away from anti-social activities in their youth. We want to address these issues and be a beacon of positive change within our local communities.

Imran Sanaullah MBE, Head of the London Lions Foundation, emphasises the importance of our initiatives and the impact they will have on the communities we serve. He believes that basketball, the UK's second-most-played sport, can be a powerful tool for empowerment and social change.

The London Lions Foundation is dedicated to igniting positive transformation within London-based communities through the power of basketball. Our strategic roadmap, known as the Theory of Change, outlines our vision for achieving this mission. By engaging, developing, and excelling individuals through basketball, we aim to create a holistic ecosystem that fosters personal growth, community well-being, and establishes London as a thriving hub of basketball excellence.

Our initiatives unfold through two distinct streams – “Cubs to Lions” and “Court & Careers”. The former provides a comprehensive talent journey, guiding participants through the Engage, Develop, and Excel phases. This journey not only nurtures skills but also promotes personal growth and aligns with our overarching social outcomes.

The “Court & Careers” stream focuses on enriching the basketball ecosystem, creating accessible spaces, and developing viable career pathways within the sport. By combining these streams, we demonstrate our commitment to holistic development, community empowerment, and basketball excellence. Our goal is to propel positive change across London's communities and beyond.

To celebrate the launch of the London Lions Foundation, we are hosting a skills and training session for over 100 young people from across London. This event coincides with the inaugural World Basketball Day, as approved by the UN. We are excited to align our work with five of the UN's goals for Community Action and continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a positive movement. Join us at the Copper Box Arena and discover the power of basketball in creating lasting change in our communities.