Junior and senior players in one room, training hard and talking honestly.
In 2025, Why Not I hosted some of England and Great Britain’s brightest junior and senior basketball talents — boys and girls — for a day of elite training and mental resilience. The activation combined physical challenge with emotional insight: a basketball and fitness session, a mental health presentation drawn from Kofi’s lived experience, and breathing, meditation and mindfulness work.
Elite training and mental resilience in the same room.
Why Not I Workouts brings mental health education to life through an activity people are already passionate about.
The 2025 edition held the parts together across one day. Players took on a fitness and basketball session led by Kofi, with the detailed skill work senior and junior internationals rarely get in the same space. A mental health presentation gave the group language for pressure, identity and the realities of chasing a professional career. Breathing, meditation and a mindfulness and yoga session closed the day.
Fitness and basketball
A physical session alongside detailed, professional-level skill work on court.
Mental health education
A presentation grounded in lived experience of the professional game.
Breathing and mindfulness
Breathing exercises, meditation and a closing mindfulness and yoga session.
Shared conversation
Juniors and seniors talking openly about pressure and what they are carrying.
A visual account
The 2025 film.
Why Not I Workout 2025 film.
People who supported it
The 2025 activation was supported by.
Nike
Optima Performance
Rezzil
Macclesfield Performance
Carbon Theory
GymSpin
Jerk Junction
First-hand experiences
What players took away.
“The workout and mental health clinic was a great experience. It brought together hoopers, not just to train but to be able to learn different techniques for off the court such as breathing exercises and meditation. You could feel the positive energy and I believe everyone left with something valuable. It’s rare to see events that combine physical training with real mental health awareness, and that’s what made this one stand out. I’m 100% behind it and would love to see it grow even bigger next year.”
“Attending the Why Not I event was an incredibly powerful and refreshing experience. Being apart of the mental health education sessions really helped to educate other athletes on the important of your mind and how your mental state effects not only your performance but your life on and off the pitch/court. The basketball workout that followed helped connect that message physically, and the mindfulness/yoga session at the end tied it all together in the best way possible. It reminded me that your mind truly controls everything your performance, your recovery, your relationships. Days like this are so important, not just for athletes, but for anyone. I left feeling more grounded, more aware, and more motivated to take even better care of my mental health moving forward!”
The wider account
Athletes, and the people who supported the day.
Athlete reflections
“I can’t express how grateful I am for The Why Not I invitational workout. On the basketball side of things, it was great to be taught by a British basketball legend and learn many small details you can’t get elsewhere. However, my biggest takeaway was on the mental health side of things where Kofi’s presentation about mental health helped me reflect on my own challenges like never before.”
“The day thoroughly soothed my mind, through the activities and people. Gaining mental insights from players whose shoes I aspire to be in gave me clarity and direction. I feel less alone now and more equipped to handle the pressures that come with chasing this dream. All the wonderful gear I received only pushes me to work harder to keep earning the special moments like this.”
“I was so grateful for the invitation to the workout. It was well thought out from start to finish. I gain more knowledge about your background and the work you are doing with why not I which is helping people and getting your message out there. Enjoyed the focus and found the whole session rewarding.”
“The workout event was more than just basketball, the mental health talk was very relatable and reminded me that I’m not alone in this journey than everyone else in in and made me realise how basketball is all about the mental side and that even pros who seem to be successful still struggle. The information shared gave me tools I can carry forward in life, both on and off the court. The gear was so amazing with the tracksuits ect and are much appreciated, and the fitness and basketball session was very enjoyable. Big respect to Kofi and everyone involved I’d love to do this again. Thankyou.”
“Attending the basketball camp was an unforgettable experience. The energy, the learning, and the sense of community were unmatched. What made it truly special was Kofi his passion, work ethic, and motivation inspired everyone there. He didn’t just teach the game; he showed us how to lead on and off the court. I left the camp a better player and an even better person. Thank you, Kofi.”
“It was such a good experience attending the Why Not I workout..it’s so great to see Kofi taking charge, setting an example and being a role model for the younger/older players in the league, because mental health is such a big deal in sports and so many ppl struggle with it and don’t openly speak about it. I myself have had some issues along the way and i find it so hopeful knowing that I have someone there to speak to about similar experiences and challenges that I have been myself within the sport.”
Supporter observations
“At Rezzil, we were proud to support Kofi and the WhyNotI workout event. It was inspiring to see how Kofi empowers the next generation of basketball players, offering them guidance, mentorship, and unique opportunities to grow on their journey. WhyNotI brings young players together, creating a supportive and social environment where they can feel part of a community. We were honoured to be part of this event and look forward to supporting many more in the future.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of supporting both Why Not I Workout events, and Kofi’s vision is something special. He’s created an environment where young athletes grow not just physically, but mentally — building the mindset, adaptability, and awareness they’ll need as their careers progress. The tailored, high-energy sessions keep athletes engaged from start to finish. Why Not I is creating real impact, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Continue exploring
See the first edition, or start a conversation.
Clubs, schools and community organisations interested in an activity-led experience are welcome to get in touch.
