FROM growing up in Libreville, Gabon, to Youthsports Academy as its Chairman and President. To say that Stevy Worah-Ozimo has come a long way is an understatement.
Worah-Ozimo was recruited by NCAA Division I school North Carolina Central Eagles from Prytanee Militaire de Saint Louis School in Senegal. Stevy played one season (2008-2009) for the Eagles averaging 7.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
The 6-foot-9 220-lb center was the Eagles’ only legitimate big man. Despite being undersized, Worah-Ozimo led the nation in rebounding for about 50 to 60 games until he injured his elbow.
Stevy has played in the National Basketball Association D-League and in leagues all over the world from National Basketball League Canada playing for the Halifax Rainmen to Plaza Casablanca in Morocco.
Playing overseas has given Worah-Ozimo new and different perspective, broadened his horizons, learned different cultures, established lifelong relationships and saw how people from other countries conduct their day to day lives.
These days, Stevy runs, manages and personally oversees successful grassroots programs benefitting the youth in the United States and Asia. He’s had to be creative and innovative, circumventing the pandemic to continue part of his work, to coach, mentor and guide kids holistically.
Stevy is the President and Chairman of Youthsports Academy and according to its web site, uthsports.org, “Youthsports Academy is a for-purpose organization to empower the next generation of leaders through sports, education, and professional training. Our programs are designed to address essential pillars of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals within the communities we serve, helping to promote peace, prosperity, and equality through athletics.
“Ultimately, our goal is to provide holistic and relevant life opportunities to young athletes through elite sports programs, high-quality scholastic initiatives, and vocational training tailored for the modern world. The ripple effects of these three pillars are far-reaching and provide the youths we serve with the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to succeed—both within athletics and beyond.
“We strive to make each program flexible and replicable so that many varied communities can benefit from our thoughtful educational model. We also work with world-changing organizations—including the United Nations Affiliates, and the University Global Coalition—to make these programs as impactful and effective as possible while addressing the triple bottom line to ensure tangible, sustainable results.
“As individuals, our team knows first-hand the power of each of these pillars. As an organization, we are committed to providing these same opportunities to others, helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders—who will then pass these ideals on.”
Armed with a degree in Business Management and Accounting, there’s no stopping Worah-Ozimo from making an impact in the lives of the youth around the world through sports and education.
Education is the great equalizer and sports will teach children values such as teamwork, discipline, hard work and humility.
To be a great rebounder, athleticism can only do so much, you have to position yourself well under the basket and have the desire to want the ball more than anyone on the floor.
Stevy had a desire to play at the highest levels of the game which he has achieved and accomplished ever since he started out in Gabon, now, he looks to impart everything he knows in the game of life to his kids at Youthsports Academy.