The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created – created first in the mind and will, created next in activity.
“The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and destination.”
With those words of wisdom from John Schaar, a sociologist, one can easily see the motive behind the formation of the THIR (Turning Hope into Reality) Foundation under the leadership of national basketball star, Uju Ugoka.
The D’Tigeres player, voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Italian League for the 2014/15 season, gave an insight into the foundation.
She said: “Our goal is focused on the training and improving the skills of young athletes. Turning their hope into reality through sports.
“We help players get scholarships by promoting them to colleges with our vast connections. We train and teach players on how to be successful on and off the courts.
“We instil the qualities that are required to excel not only on the basketball courts, but in the game of life.
“The foundation leverages the power of sport to educate, inspire hope, and mobilise youth in our community to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and be agents for change in their communities.
“Young people have a vast potential to create meaningful change and play a significant role in overcoming their greatest health challenges.
“Sport is an ideal way to reach, educate, and inspire young people in a language they understand and enjoy.
“Accountability, work ethic, character, leadership, and also been a team player are great skills and qualities they will learn and be accountable for in their societies.
“We need to incorporate sports in most of our states from primary to secondary school. A healthy living lifestyle is important in the world today.
“Therefore, let’s encourage our young boys and girls to participate in sports because sports is an integral part of our culture around the world. It brings togetherness, happiness and love.
Ugoka’s Hall of Fame
• Silver medalist in the Under-18 African Championship.
• Member of the Under-16 national team.
• Member of the senior National team.
• Professional basketball player with Basket Parma in Italy.
• MVP of the Italian League 2014/15 season.
• Graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Virginia Tech University.
• Appeared in and started 29 games for the Hokies.
• Set the Virginia Tech record with 16 double-doubles in a single season.
• Set the Virginia Tech senior season records in field goals made (213) and rebounds (277).
• Finished fourth on the Hokies’ overall single-season record lists in points with 533 and fourth in rebounds averaged, 9.6.
