KIGALI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- This year's Giants of Africa Festival kicked off in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, on Saturday, bringing together about 400 young people and coaches from across Africa for a weeklong celebration of basketball, culture, music, education, and connection.

Held under the theme "A Borderless Africa," the festival aims to harness the power of sport to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of African leaders, while promoting unity and opportunity across borders. The event runs through Aug. 2.

In addition to youth participants, the event also brings together mentors from across Africa and beyond, creating a vibrant platform for exchange and growth.

"Sport is a teacher; it teaches ability, discipline, resilience, and everything we need in life. So make the best use of it," Rwandan Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire said while addressing participants during a community activity in Kigali's Kicukiro District.

The initiative, which involved constructing water drainage channels and digging terraces for a new road, marked the official launch of the festival and encouraged participants to apply their knowledge to improve their communities. The opening day also featured a basketball clinic and education sessions to inspire young women and girls.

Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa, urged the continent's youth to believe in their potential, stressing that Africa already possesses the talent, people, and resources needed to thrive.

"Yes, we will face adversity, we will encounter tough times, but we will work through them. It doesn't require wealth to do great things. You can always improve and grow bigger, regardless of where you come from; you can become anything you want," he said. ■