Beyond Basketball Launches in Sierra Leone with Focus on Youth, Basketball and Community Impact

On Wednesday, 6 May 2026, Beyond Basketball officially launched in Freetown, bringing together players, coaches, federation officials, educators, and supporters from across Sierra Leone’s basketball community.

The initiative, founded by former Sierra Leone national player Oladipipo “Pipo” Robbin-Coker, aims to use basketball as a platform for youth development, mentorship, education, and community support. The launch event introduced the organisation’s long-term plans to improve access to the sport while creating opportunities for young people on and off the court.

Held over the course of one hour and fifteen minutes, the programme combined formal presentations, stakeholder remarks, symbolic activities, and networking sessions that reflected both the growth of basketball in Sierra Leone and the appetite for more structured development within the sport.

The Story Behind the Vision

The event opened with a silent prayer before the Master of Ceremony, Ms. Ruth Sesay, introduced the vision behind Beyond Basketball and the purpose of the launch.

In her remarks, she explained that the organisation was formed to respond to the lack of access to structured sporting opportunities and resources in many communities. She emphasised that Beyond Basketball intends to create safe spaces for young people while promoting discipline, teamwork, confidence, and personal growth through sport.

When the lead partner to the initiative Ariana Oluwole was speaking about the Founder’s Journey, she reflected on his journey from local basketball courts in Freetown to representing Sierra Leone internationally and later playing competitively in Switzerland with SC Uni Basel Basket.

Rather than focusing only on his achievements as a player, her message centred on what she believes the next generation needs in order to succeed. She spoke about the importance of mentorship, proper facilities, sports medicine, educational support, and equal opportunities for boys and girls entering the sport.

She also highlighted the need for stronger developmental systems that can help talented young athletes progress both locally and internationally.

Strong Support from the Basketball Community

One of the strongest aspects of the launch was the level of support shown by Sierra Leone’s basketball community.

Representatives from several teams and districts attended the programme, including Forcians, Red Flames, Kennedy Nets, Freetown Lakers, Upperwards, Sierra Titans, Dock Cannol, Pelicans, Murray Deen Heats, Cannon Royals, and the North Federation.

Stakeholder statements were delivered by representatives from the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, the Western Area Basketball community, and former teammates connected to Forcians Basketball Team.

Among the notable attendees were Ishmail Bangura, Secretary General of the National Basketball Federation, Mr. Ali Hijazi, President of the National Basketball Federation, President of The Western Area Basketball Association – Ahmed Tejan Dahnniya and Alagie Haroun Sesay, who coached Pipo during his early playing days with Forcians.

The atmosphere throughout the event reflected strong relationships within the basketball community. Players and coaches from different clubs interacted openly, while several attendees noted the sense of unity present during the launch.

The Dunk That Symbolised the Future

The official launch ceremony took place midway through the programme.

Two children from Narnia Daycare and Preschool, a boy and a girl, presented basketballs to key industry stakeholders in Sierra Leone, they were then guided to complete a symbolic dunk to mark the formal launch of Beyond Basketball.

The moment represented one of the organisation’s key goals: introducing basketball to younger children through school-based programmes and making the sport accessible to both boys and girls from an early age.

Narnia Educational Group, a partner institution of the initiative, is expected to play a role in helping develop these youth-focused programmes moving forward.

Building Beyond Basketball

Throughout the event, speakers consistently returned to the broader role sport can play in society.

Beyond Basketball’s mission extends beyond competition. The organisation plans to focus on mentorship, youth engagement, inclusion, and access to opportunity, especially for communities where structured sporting support remains limited.

Part of the initiative’s long-term vision also includes support for women and girls in basketball, opportunities for young people with disabilities, and increased awareness around physiotherapy and athlete welfare.

These areas are particularly personal for founder Oladipipo Robbin-Coker, whose own playing career was affected by chronic injuries. His experience has shaped his interest in improving sports medicine and athlete support systems for future generations in Sierra Leone.

Now based in the United Kingdom, Pipo remains actively involved in basketball development. Alongside leading Beyond Basketball, he also volunteers with Haringey Heat U16s while working towards his Level 2 Basketball Professional Coaching Licence with Basketball England.

The Beginning of a Global Story

The launch concluded with donations to some teams that included balls and other sports equipment, a media question-and-answer session moderated by the MC, followed by networking and photo opportunities with guests, partners, and young players.

A particularly meaningful moment came when some coaches shared donated items and resources they had received with other teams in attendance. For many guests, it was a simple but important example of the cooperation and team spirit the initiative hopes to encourage.

By the end of the programme, one thing was clear: Beyond Basketball has entered the sports space with strong grassroots support and a clear developmental focus.

For investors, institutions, and potential partners, the initiative presents an opportunity to support a growing movement centred on youth development, education, inclusion, and community impact through sport.

For many of the young people in attendance, however, the message was even simpler.

Basketball is giving them something to believe in, and Beyond Basketball wants to make sure that opportunity continues to grow.