Ex-NBA star, Pops Mensah-Bonsu visit to our community center ignites hope and discipline
Watch Video We had the special honor of welcoming Pops Mensah-Bonsu to the Norviwo Community Center. Pops is a former NBA player and the second Ghanaian to make it to the league. He heard about FOA through a friend and got excited about the work we do. He saw a lot in common with his basketball academy because we both focus on building up and empowering young girls and boys.
During his visit, Pops shared his story with our youth, telling them how he moved from Ghana to the UK, then to the US where he played for big NBA teams. He also played in the 2012 Olympics for Great Britain and travelled around Europe playing basketball. But his journey was not without many struggles. He spoke about facing rejection, doubts, and having to undergo more than 18 surgeries throughout his career. There were moments he felt like giving up, but he never did. He kept going because he had a vision—he wanted to use basketball to change lives.
Pops encouraged our residents not to let their past define their future. Even though many of them have faced painful situations living on the street, they now have the chance to rebuild their lives. He reminded them that with discipline, consistency, and sacrifice, they can succeed in anything they choose to do. After sharing his story, Pops spent time playing basketball with the residents. He showed them cool tricks and helped them practice their shots. Thank you, Pops, for showing our youth what is possible.
