Life Skills Development Through Sport

On November 14, 2024, FAME Foundation, in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good, organized its monthly Life Skills Development Through Sports session at LEA Primary School, Utako, Abuja, as part of the Play It Dream It initiative. This event brought together over 70 children, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage in a range of sports activities designed to foster self-confidence, self-esteem, and essential life skills. The primary aim of the event was to equip the children with practical tools that would not only enhance their athletic abilities but also contribute to their personal development, empowering them to build leadership qualities and navigate everyday challenges with resilience and a positive mindset.

The session began with a warm-up and stretching routine led by Coach Raphael Omale. The exercises, which were carefully planned to engage both the body and mind, focused on improving flexibility, strengthening coordination, and preparing the participants for the physical demands of the day’s activities. Coach Omale placed a strong emphasis on the importance of proper technique and discipline, guiding the children to understand that physical readiness is an integral part of success, whether in sports or in life. Through these initial activities, Coach Omale instilled in the participants a sense of focus, dedication, and respect for the process of preparation, creating a solid foundation for the day ahead.

Following the warm-up, the children participated in a variety of interactive sports activities, including relay races and football. These games were not just physically stimulating but were also designed to encourage teamwork, cooperation, and strategic thinking. The children were motivated to push their personal limits while also learning how to collaborate effectively with their peers. The emphasis on teamwork was particularly evident as the participants cheered each other on and worked together to achieve common goals, fostering a sense of unity and shared accomplishment. The sports activities reinforced important life lessons, such as the value of hard work, perseverance, and mutual support, all of which are essential for success both on and off the field.

The mentorship session of the event, led by Coach Blessing Nweke, offered the children an opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions on building self-confidence and self-esteem. She explained that confidence is not simply about outward appearances but comes from an internal understanding of one’s own potential to grow, learn, and overcome obstacles. She emphasized that every challenge presents an opportunity for personal growth, and it is the belief in one’s own capabilities that enables individuals to push past adversity and achieve their goals.

Coach Nweke further explored the power of positive self-talk as a tool for cultivating a strong sense of self-worth. She encouraged the children to speak kindly to themselves, reminding them that how they perceive and treat themselves can significantly impact their mental well-being and overall success. This lesson on self-empowerment was complemented by discussions on the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Coach Nweke explained that the people we choose to spend time with, as well as the environments we inhabit, play a crucial role in shaping our mindset and influencing our personal development. By consciously seeking out positive relationships and environments, the children were encouraged to create a foundation for ongoing growth and happiness.

As the session drew to a close, Coach Raphael Omale facilitated an engaging question-and-answer session, where the children had the opportunity to reflect on the key lessons they had learned throughout the day. This interactive session encouraged the students to articulate their thoughts on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and applying the life skills they had acquired to their daily lives. The children were given the chance to share personal insights and experiences, which reinforced the lessons on resilience, self-confidence, and the value of teamwork. The session fostered an environment of open communication, where the children felt empowered to express themselves and ask questions, ensuring that the knowledge shared was fully understood and internalized.

The event concluded on a high note, with the children expressing their appreciation for the valuable lessons they had learned and their renewed commitment to personal growth. Many of them left the session with a deeper understanding of their own potential and the tools necessary to build a brighter future. The success of the event was reflected in the enthusiasm and energy that the children brought to both the sports activities and the mentorship session, demonstrating their eagerness to apply the life skills they had gained in their everyday lives. This session not only provided physical exercise but also instilled crucial life lessons that will have a lasting impact on the participants’ overall development.