PSAB NA: Mentor Michel wants to make a difference for athletes coming to the US
This week we unveiled the seven experts who will make up the Pro Sport Advisory Board North America… now it’s time to meet all the individuals who have signed up to play a key thought leadership role in identifying best practice for preventing gambling-related harm within the continent’s sports.
We begin by introducing Michel Chikwanine, a former child soldier and international professional speaker for Me to We/Free the Children (in Canada), United Nations Fellow for People of African Descent, and current Performance Lifestyle Manager for NBA Global Academy Africa.
Michel is a humanitarian, motivational speaker, and advocate for youth empowerment. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he fled conflict as a child and now uses his experiences to inspire change.
As a Performance Lifestyle Advisor at the NBA Academy in Senegal, Michel mentors young African athletes, helping them navigate challenges on and off the court while preparing for life abroad.
A United Nations Fellow and award-winning author of Child Soldier: How Boys and Girls Are Used in War, Michel’s global advocacy, including his work with the Dallaire Institute, focuses on education, resilience, and building brighter futures.
We caught up with Michel to gain a better understanding of his aims and aspirations from being a member of the new board…
What made you want to join the PSAB NA?
“I wanted to join the Pro Sport Advisory Board because it aligns with my personal and professional passion for empowering young athletes to navigate the significant challenges they face both on and off the court.
“Having spent the last two years mentoring young basketball players at the NBA Academy Africa and preparing them for transitions to North American colleges, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to bridge the knowledge gap these athletes have about Western societies.
“My lived experience as someone who transitioned from life in Africa to Canada as a teenager helps me empathize with the cultural, social, and financial challenges young athletes face when entering a new environment.
“By joining the board, I hope to use my experiences to ensure that young athletes are equipped to make informed decisions, particularly in areas like gambling, which can pose serious risks in the sports ecosystem.”
What are you hoping to bring to (or take from) membership of the board?
“I hope to bring my deep understanding of the unique challenges that young athletes from African countries face when transitioning to life and professional sports in North America. This includes insights into their mental health, financial literacy, and personal development needs, as well as the social and cultural gaps they encounter.
“Through my work running workshops on topics like budgeting, goal setting, leadership, and character development, I’ve developed a curriculum that addresses many of these gaps, and I believe these tools can be invaluable for the board’s work.
“I’m also eager to learn from the diverse expertise of other board members and contribute to creating innovative solutions for tackling gambling issues in sports. By collaborating with others, I hope to deepen my knowledge of the specific gambling-related risks in North America and find ways to integrate harm prevention strategies into athlete education and mentorship programs.”
Why is it important that a specific North American board is being created to specifically focus on the niche wagering issues that affect this part of the world?
“North America presents a unique environment where professional sports are deeply intertwined with commercial gambling industries, including sports betting and online wagering. For young athletes transitioning into this landscape, especially those coming from regions where gambling is less prominent or viewed differently, the risks of exploitation and addiction are significant. Social media and entertainment often glamorize gambling, creating a false narrative about its rewards without highlighting its potential harms.
“A dedicated North American board is essential to address these region-specific challenges and provide tailored strategies to educate and protect athletes. It allows us to focus on the cultural, legal, and social factors unique to this region, ensuring that we equip athletes with the tools they need to navigate these risks effectively. By addressing this issue in a localized context, the board can create meaningful and impactful solutions that resonate with both athletes and their communities.”
How important is gambling harm prevention to you and/or your organization?
“Gambling harm prevention is incredibly important to me because it directly ties into the holistic wellbeing of young athletes. Gambling, when left unchecked, can derail not only an athlete’s career but also their mental health, relationships, and financial stability.
“At the NBA Academy Africa, we emphasize character development, leadership, and financial literacy—all of which intersect with the need to educate athletes about the risks of gambling.
“I see harm prevention as a critical component of mentoring young athletes, especially as they transition to environments where these risks are prevalent. By addressing gambling harm early, we can help athletes make informed choices and ensure their long-term success both on and off the court.”
Stay in touch with our website over the coming weeks, as we continue to profile the key people who are coming on board with the PSAB North America.
