Alumni Spotlight: Marc-Antoine

Alumnus Marc-Antoine, who represented Ivory Coast at the 2023 Giants of Africa Festival, was awarded the 2024 Giants of Africa Volunteer Grant. This opportunity work alongside GOA staff and contribute to our initiatives across three African nations—supporting our team during a court unveiling in Burkina Faso, assisting with a youth camp in Gabon, and helping open another court in Morocco. His hard work and dedication made a lasting impact, and we were thrilled to have him as part of the team!

We sat down with Marc-Antoine to hear about his journey with Giants of Africa. Here’s what he shared with us.

Looking back at your journey with us, how would you describe your overall experience across the three countries?

This trip, filled with impactful moments and memorable experiences, was a testament to Giants of Africa’s mission of inspiring and empowering youth through basketball. It was a privilege to contribute to this journey alongside an exceptional team of dedicated staff and to witness the transformative power of sport across three vibrant countries in Africa.

What roles did you take on during the tour, and how did your responsibilities evolve throughout your time with us?

As a volunteer for Giants of Africa, I supported the logistics team by assisting with court unveilings, organizing equipment distribution, and ensuring the smooth execution of activities throughout the trip. This role required collaboration, adaptability, and problem- solving to address challenges on the ground.  Beyond these tasks, my greatest responsibility and privilege was learning from seasoned professionals and being mentored by inspiring leaders.

When you close your eyes and think about your time with Giants of Africa, what moments stand out as your brightest highlights?

Witnessing the joy of communities during the court unveilings in Burkina Faso and Morocco, seeing young athletes grow in skill and confidence at the basketball camp in Gabon, and successfully overcoming logistical challenges were standout experiences that highlighted the transformative impact of sports.

What unexpected lessons or insights did you gain from your experience?

I developed resilience and adaptability while managing complex logistics, deepened my understanding of the power of sports to unite and inspire, and gained insights into the importance of leadership and teamwork in driving meaningful outcomes.

In what ways do you feel you’ve grown personally from this experience? Were there any surprising changes in yourself?

This experience greatly contributed to my personal growth, helping me develop skills in logistical management, problem-solving under pressure, and intercultural communication. Overcoming the language barrier during the trip was a particularly rewarding challenge that taught me perseverance and adaptability. These skills have enhanced my ability to thrive in international environments and prepared me for future opportunities.

How has this volunteer experience shaped your professional outlook, and what unique contributions do you feel you made to our program?

As a sports management student, I gained hands-on experience in event coordination, team management, and stakeholder engagement, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations. Collaborating with the GOA staff provided invaluable mentorship and insights into the sports industry. 

I demonstrated strong organizational skills, ensuring smooth event execution, effective equipment distribution, and productive teamwork in a multicultural setting. This experience has strengthened my confidence and passion for sports event management, giving me a clearer vision of my future in the field.

As you reflect on this entire journey, what final thoughts would you like to share with future volunteers or the Giants of Africa community?”

First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Giants of Africa organization for giving me this incredible opportunity. I was thrilled at the idea of travelling with the team and the experience exceeded my expectations. 

The program for alumni is an excellent initiative. It allows alumni like me to connect closely with professionals and gain valuable insights from experienced coaches and staff. This unique opportunity is not only inspiring but also a stepping stone for personal and professional growth. 

Upon returning to my country, my friends were all curious and excited  to hear about my experience. They were amazed as I shared stories about the trip and asked how I got the chance to participate. This just shows how impactful and motivating this initiative is, not only for participants but also for the wider community.

For future trips, I believe this program is already making a significant difference. However, offering more preparatory workshops for alumni before the trip—focusing on event management or communication—could further enhance  the learning experience. Overall, this experience was transformative and will remain a defining moment in my journey. Thank you once again, Giants of Africa!

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to work with exceptional young leaders like Marc-Antoine, whose dedication and passion truly demonstrate the spirit of our mission.

Thank you, Marc-Antoine, for allowing Giants of Africa to be part of your remarkable journey and for sharing your inspiring experiences with our community.

Attention Giants of Africa Alumni: The 2025/2026 Alumni Grant Program application process will be launching soon. Stay connected for upcoming announcements and prepare to apply for opportunities just like Marc-Antoine’s!