FAME foundation was established to solicit, encourage and advance the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of women and girls as well as formulate programmes within the framework of national development plan with a view to enhancing the participation of women and advocate for gender parity in the society.
FAME foundation firmly believe that the entire nation, businesses, communities and groups can benefit from the implementation of programs and policies that adopt the notion of women empowerment.
On November 7, 2024, the FAME Foundation, in partnership with Laureus Sport for Good, organized its monthly life skills development through sports session as part of the “Play it Dream it” initiative. The event took place at a local community center and brought together 74 children, including 53 girls and 21 boys, who actively participated in a series of activities designed to promote the values of fair play, integrity, and teamwork.
The session began with warm-up exercises led by Inyene Idiong, a coach associated with the Play it Dream it program. The children eagerly joined in, displaying enthusiasm as they engaged in various physical activities such as football drills, races, and other team-oriented games. These exercises were structured to not only promote physical fitness but also emphasize the importance of cooperation, communication, and trust—essential aspects of both sports and everyday life. The children were divided into groups, fostering a collaborative environment where they learned the value of teamwork in achieving common goals.
Following the sporting activities, the children gathered for a mentorship session led by Coach Ifeoma Adibe, an experienced sports coach known for her focus on character development as well as athletic skill. The session was held in a spacious gymnasium, with the young athletes seated in a circle around the coach. The mood was reflective and engaging, with the children eager to hear Coach Adibe’s insights.
Coach Adibe began the session by highlighting the core values that define not just a good athlete, but a good person. She explained that while skills and physical strength are important in sports, the true essence of athleticism lies in the values of fair play, respect, and integrity. She emphasized how these principles extend beyond the field and influence behavior in all aspects of life, whether at school, at home, or in the community.
“Fair play isn’t just about following the rules of the game,” Coach Adibe explained. “It’s about understanding that every person, regardless of their background or abilities, deserves to be treated equally and with respect. It’s about playing hard, but playing honestly, and recognizing the effort of others, whether you win or lose.”
Coach Adibe also spoke passionately about the importance of respect, not only for teammates and opponents but for oneself. She illustrated how respect is demonstrated through actions, such as listening attentively, supporting others, and accepting differences. She shared a story from her own coaching experience about a player who, despite being injured, still cheered on their teammates during a crucial game. That act of respect, she said, reflected true sportsmanship and integrity.
The coach went on to discuss integrity, emphasizing how it is the foundation for building trust and accountability. She explained that integrity means being honest with oneself and others, even when it’s difficult. “Sometimes the right choice isn’t the easy one,” she said. “But choosing to do the right thing, even when no one is watching, is what makes you strong in character.”
Coach Adibe encouraged the children to recognize that their actions, both on and off the field, have a lasting impact. She stressed that integrity means standing by one’s values and making decisions based on what is right, not what is convenient. She spoke of how this principle could guide them in moments when they faced pressure from others, such as during exams, in friendships, or in peer group situations.
The session also included interactive activities, where the children were asked to reflect on times when they faced challenges in making the right choice. They discussed real-life scenarios, such as standing up for a friend who was being bullied or admitting when they made a mistake. This sparked a deep conversation about personal responsibility, accountability, and the importance of having the courage to make ethical choices.
To wrap up the session, Coach Adibe invited the children to pledge that they would uphold these core values in their daily lives. She encouraged them to remind themselves that true strength of character comes not from what others see, but from how they act when no one is watching. She reminded them that honesty, kindness, and mutual respect are the building blocks of a positive, trusting environment, whether on a sports team, in a classroom, or in any community they are a part of.
As the session concluded, the children left with a deeper understanding of the principles of fair play and integrity, and a renewed sense of responsibility toward fostering a positive, ethical environment both on and off the field. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for the young participants to develop important life skills while reinforcing the idea that integrity and teamwork are fundamental to building trust and creating a supportive community.