Basketball is something very special to Christopher Ouma.

He grew up playing the sport in his native Uganda, located on the East side of Africa, and kept excelling in high school, university and later for the country's under-19 National team.

The 6-foot-4 small forward has enjoyed the sport so much that, as a teen, he travelled to South Africa to attend a Basketball Without Borders Clinic looking for opportunities to expand his thirst for knowledge in the game of hoops.

Also quite noticeable in this 25-year old, is his genuine desire to excel in the classroom, then move on to a career and contribute to a Canadian society that can benefit from his strengths and interest in helping the community-at-large.

Ouma has also found time to volunteer at the Salvation Army helping to prepare and serve food to community members.

"I am very fortunate to be able to study (at George Brown) and plan for my future," said Ouma, who, before coming to Toronto with his mother, attended Makerere University in Kampala. "And it's great to also improve on my basketball skills."

Ouma is in his first year of Construction Management at Toronto's George Brown College and when he completes the four-year Bachelor of Technology program (the only one of its kind in Ontario), will take his Degree and devote his attention on employment as a manager in the complex construction business.

When he's not focused on

A former Basketball Player of the Year at King's College, on a team that won a National championship, Ouma is now a member of the George Brown' Men's varsity team and contributing to a Huskies squad that is among the best in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.

"It's all about learning, meeting new friends and getting better at what you do in life," said Ouma, who has played for three club teams and was on two that celebrated league championships.

Strong at rebounding, as well as the defensive game, Ouma is thrilled to have earned a spot on the squad. On the court, he's a fierce competitor. Away from the game, Ouma is as humble as they come, respectful and always looking for opportunities to learn and meet people. - DG