Growing up playing basketball in Africa, Adeola Ajayi understands first-hand the challenges and obstacles associated with extreme poverty and a lack of access to proper facilities and equipment. Despite these challenges, Adeola was focused to succeed. Through countless hours of dedication, practice and some good fortune, Adeola earned a college scholarship in the USA.

This was a dream come true for him and is for all kids able to attain a similar opportunity. Upon his arrival in 2009, Adeola started to notice sharp pains on both of his shins. With access to medical care, he discovered a stress fracture on both legs. He had to undergo two major surgeries in the same week and subsequently lost his scholarship. Looking back on his childhood and the years he spent training in Africa, Adeola realized playing on concrete floors without proper basketball shoes or footwear at all was a major contributor to his injuries.

Adeola drew upon these personal experiences and was inspired to help others and make a difference. In 2019, he founded the Adeola Ajayi Foundation – a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation with the goal of changing this reality and the lives of countless boys and girls on the African continent. “My Passion is to use the great game of basketball as a conduit to educate and enrich the lives of African children, in hopes they may reach their individual potential and make their own positive impact on the world.” -Adeola Ajayi.

Adeola Ajayi Foundation

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