The Humanity Hoops Foundation, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Sports Development, has launched a grassroots handball initiative aimed at using sports to steer Almajiri children and other vulnerable youths away from crime, drug abuse and other social vices.

The initiative culminated in a handball tournament involving nine teams, with Team Combat Zaria emerging champions. Winners and outstanding participants received trophies and cash prizes.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Humanity Hoops Foundation, Yusuf Abubakar, said the programme was designed to provide children with productive activities while reviving grassroots handball in Kaduna State.

He lamented the decline of handball competitions in the state, noting that no major championship had been organised in Kaduna in the last five to six years.

“This is just an introduction to what we plan to do next year. I have taken interest in helping these children stay off the streets and become better people in society, especially the Almajiri children and other vulnerable kids,” he said.

Abubakar said many children roam the streets without meaningful engagement, making them susceptible to criminal activities.

“When children have nothing doing, they end up smoking, stealing, taking drugs and committing crimes. Once you engage them in sporting activities, a lot of crime will reduce. Government cannot do it alone; private individuals must also contribute,” he said.

He explained that the foundation was not only organising sporting competitions but also providing support to Almajiri children to improve their welfare.

“We provide shoes and other items for them. Instead of roaming the streets after Islamic lessons, they can engage in small businesses and later come here to play handball. We are trying to build a community where children have something meaningful to do,” he added.

Abubakar disclosed that the foundation plans to organise a handball clinic next year, followed by a youth championship and an open tournament to further promote the sport across the state.

Expressing satisfaction with the competition, he described the turnout and standard of participation as encouraging.

“I am 100 per cent satisfied. The rain came, but it was a blessing. From what I have seen since yesterday, I am really happy with the commitment shown by the players,” he said.

He added that he was funding the initiative personally but welcomed support from government, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians.

“I am doing this single-handedly. If people come to support, Alhamdulillah. If they don’t, I am ready to continue because I believe these children deserve a better future,” he said.

Former African handball star and ex-international, Yusuf Binta Fatima, also commended the initiative, describing it as a practical approach to using sports for youth development.

“The performance was very, very good. The tempo of the game was high and the players exceeded my expectations. Especially the Nigerian Army team, those boys were super,” she said.

Fatima said she embraced the initiative because it aligns with her passion for helping disadvantaged children.

“When you talk about Humanity Hoops Foundation, it is about helping less privileged children. I am trying to take them away from the streets, away from criminality and make them better people,” she said.

She noted that many of the Almajiri children involved in the programme lacked basic necessities, including decent shelter, but had demonstrated discipline, unity and generosity.

“These children don’t even have where to sleep, yet they have the spirit of giving. Whatever they have, they share it with one another. I am teaching them discipline, unity and a sense of belonging,” she added.

Fatima, a former captain of the national handball team and recipient of several continental honours, said handball transformed her life by giving her education, employment and opportunities to travel, adding that she was determined to give back by mentoring the next generation of athletes.

She called on governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists to invest more in grassroots sports development, stressing that many talented young Nigerians only need the right opportunities to realise their potential.