The Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA) organized an event to commemorate their 15-year collaboration with the Metropolitan Police in combating knife crime. Since its inception in 2005, NASSA has transformed from a small initiative of a mother taking her children to a local park in Newham for basketball into a significant community organization focused on educating youth about the dangers of knives.

During the event, NASSA paid tribute to the victims of knife crime in Newham by shooting a basketball hoop for each young life lost in the past year. The poignant gesture highlighted the impact of knife crime in the community, with six hoops being shot compared to none eight years ago.

The event also brought attention to the “Carry a Basketball Not a Blade” campaign initiated by Anthony Okereafor, a member of NASSA who tragically lost friends to knife violence. His personal experiences motivated him to create a campaign in 2008 aimed at promoting basketball as a positive alternative to carrying knives.

NASSA’s campaign has reached around 4,000 individuals in Newham, offering mentorship and guidance to its members, drawing from real-life experiences related to knife crime. The organization’s work has garnered support from various quarters, including Unmesh Desai, Labour’s London Assembly spokesperson on policing and crime, who praised NASSA’s consistent efforts in partnership with the police.

The friendly basketball match between NASSA and the Metropolitan Police, attended by Newham’s mayor, highlighted the collaborative approach toward addressing community safety issues. Both Anthony and a senior police official emphasized the importance of building relationships between law enforcement and the youth to tackle barriers and misconceptions.

NASSA’s inclusive programs welcome young people from diverse backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to engage in sports and learn valuable life skills. The community-driven initiative is seen as a model for fostering a safer London, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address social challenges beyond just policing.

Overall, the event served as an inspiring example of how sports, community engagement, and partnerships can play a crucial role in steering young individuals away from violence and towards a positive path in life.