Rwanda Energy Group’s (REG) Jean-Jacques received the 2022 Ubuntu Trophy during an on-court ceremony at Dakar Arena before REG’s game against AS Douanes on Wednesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. GMT.
The Ubuntu Trophy, which recognizes the BAL player who has made an outstanding effort and impact in the community during the BAL season, was awarded to Jean-Jacques in recognition of his efforts with Club Rafiki (CR) in Rwanda throughout the 2022 BAL season.
Through his collaboration with CR, Jean-Jacque used the game of basketball to help children and young adults (U18) integrate into society and discover their potential through developmental basketball programming and competitions.
In recognition of his efforts, the BAL will donate $5000 to Club Rafiki. Jean-Jacques, who was nominated as the Ubuntu Trophy finalist alongside Forces Armeés et Police Basketball’s (FAP) Essome Pierre and Petro de Luanda’s Lukeny Gerson, was selected as the winner by a BAL executive panel and fans on social media.
He is the second BAL player to receive the award, joining 2021 BAL Season Ubuntu Trophy winner Hichem Benayad-Cherif, who played for Groupement Sportif des Pétroliers in the inaugural BAL season.
The BAL Ubuntu Trophy, which will be given out annually, recognizes a player who participated in the BAL and who best represents the league through his efforts in the community.
“Ubuntu” derives from Nguni and Bantu languages and symbolizes essential human virtues, such as compassion, respect, and humanity.
