Muji Vader’s journey from a Congo orphanage to basketball stardom in Massachusetts is marked by resilience, talent, and commitment.
Thank you for generously supporting Muji in this year’s competition. Your support helps empower the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation in their respective missions to save lives and empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.
Basketball allows Muji to use her natural gifts and abilities on and off the court. She's a natural leader, loud, funny, and she has a magnetic personality. She rallies those around her to be their best. Her physical gifts of speed, running, jumping, and throwing propel her on the court, and she's so fun to watch. She loves the energy of cheering for her team, encouraging others to be their best, and looking forward to the next play no matter what happens.
Muji is inspired by her family and her own journey. Our family believes in using our skills for the benefit of ourselves and most importantly, others. She found basketball late but once she did, it was a natural fit for her athletic abilities but also for her hope to serve others. Muji has planned and led basketball related service projects all over the world through her nonprofit, The Assist (theassistbasketball.com) and loves to see others discover basketball as a way to better themselves.
Watching Muji lead a basketball clinic in Kampala, Uganda for over 150 teens, including about 40 girls, was truly inspiring. They trusted her because she's also an African woman from a background similar to them. They were inspired by her story of resilience and hard work, and she worked with them with humor and fun. Watching Muji use her gift of basketball to give back to others is what makes me the most proud, beyond any awards and accolades.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.