The World Shoe & NBPA Foundation Host Historic “One Court Africa Reception” at NBPA HQ During UNGA 2025

New York, October 2025 — During the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2025), one event stood out for its vision, unity, and global impact: the One Court Africa Reception, hosted at the NBPA Headquarters in New York City by the NBPA Foundation in partnership with The World Shoe and OAFLAD (Organization of African First Ladies for Development).

The evening convened NBA players, philanthropists, First Ladies, and development leaders, spotlighting how sport, innovation, and humanitarian leadership can align to advance health, dignity, and opportunity across Africa. At its core, the reception was a bold statement: basketball is more than a game — it is a global force for equity and empowerment.

NBPA Foundation: Athletes Driving Global Change

The NBPA Foundation’s leadership was on full display, announcing a $20,000 donation to advance World Shoe’s mission, underscoring the union’s unique role as the heartbeat of player-driven philanthropy worldwide.

Special thanks to NBA players Ochai Agbaji (Toronto Raptors, Young Agbaji Foundation) and Sion James (Charlotte Hornets, Sion James Foundation) for their generous gift of $30,000. With the NBPA Foundation’s match, the total raised reached $80,000, dedicated to providing World Shoes to youth through the Wash and Wear initiatives planned with OAFLAD.

Erika Swilley, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation, described why this partnership matters: “We can’t do this work without strategic partnerships. Our goal is to help our players with their community initiatives. Partnering with World Shoe and the First Ladies allows us to amplify the work our guys are already doing. Our players have a very unique platform, and when their stories are told, more people come along for the ride. That’s the ripple effect we want to see.”

This reception reflected the NBPA Foundation’s growing role on the global stage — uniquely positioned to empower players as changemakers whose influence stretches far beyond the court.

World Shoe: African Innovation on the Global Stage

The event also showcased World Shoe, the first African-born footwear brand engineered to combat neglected tropical diseases while creating jobs across the continent.

Manny Ohonme, Co-Founder and President of World Shoe, explained: “World Shoe is more than footwear — it’s dignity you can wear, protection against disease, and proof that African innovation can lead the world.”

Kojo Taylor, President and Co-owner of World Shoe Limited, emphasized the ripple effects of their Akosombo factory in Ghana: “When you step into our factory, you see hope being manufactured alongside shoes. Every pair represents jobs for local families, health protection for communities, and a model for how Africa can lead through innovation.”

Together, World Shoe and the NBPA Foundation are proving that athlete capital + African innovation = scalable global change.

Partnerships with Purpose

The evening also featured inspiring voices from international partners, each reinforcing the power of collaboration:

• Tracie Ohonme, Co-Founder of Samaritan’s Feet International:
  “Partnership means multiplying impact. In five years, we see collaborations like this creating sustainable systems where every child has both protection and opportunity.”
• Alfred Osei, International Development Specialist:
  “World Shoe is more than a product — it’s an ecosystem for development. Supporting this initiative means investing in Africa’s capacity to create solutions for itself and the world.”
• Marvin Tarlton, President of Operation Save:
  “Shoes protect health, restore dignity, and open doors to education. Partnering with World Shoe means scaling those solutions where they’re needed most.”

A Blueprint for the Future

The One Court Africa Reception was more than an event — it was a blueprint for how athlete unions, African innovators, and global leaders can unite to tackle systemic challenges. With the NBPA Foundation providing player-driven philanthropy, World Shoe offering African-led innovation, and OAFLAD giving continental reach, the partnership represents a new model for global collaboration.

Through exclusive coverage, The Voice of Africa (TVOA) is amplifying these stories across Africa, the diaspora, and the global community — ensuring the legacy of this partnership continues to grow.

Together — NBPA Foundation, World Shoe, and OAFLAD — are proving that sport, innovation, and leadership can transform lives.

Proudly made in Africa, for the world.