PLAY IT DREAM IT November Boot-Camp

FAME Foundation, in partnership with Laureus Sport for Good, recently hosted a successful boot-camp at the Old Parade Ground in Area 10, Abuja, on November 24, 2024 as part of the PLAY it DREAM it initiative. The event brought together over 70 children from the Durumi IDP camp, offering them the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports activities aimed at showcasing the power of sports as a transformative tool for change. The primary objective of the boot-camp was to foster unity, promote education, and advance gender equality through sports.

The sports session was led by Ms. Inyene Idiong, who guided the children through a series of exercises that focused on the importance of physical fitness and well-being. The activities included warm-ups, races, and football, all chosen to encourage physical activity while promoting teamwork, discipline, and personal responsibility. The warm-up exercises were designed to help prepare the children for the more demanding activities, enhancing flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. The races provided an opportunity for the children to engage in friendly competition, helping them build endurance and speed, while the football games encouraged teamwork and communication among the participants.

The activities were structured to show how sports can contribute to physical health and personal development. The children were encouraged to stay active and participate fully in each exercise, which helped improve their fitness and confidence. Beyond physical health, the session also aimed to develop key life skills such as resilience, perseverance, and the ability to set and achieve goals. Additionally, Ms. Idiong emphasized the importance of gender equality in sports by ensuring that all activities were inclusive and that both boys and girls were encouraged to take part equally. This approach helped highlight the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in sports and experience the benefits it provides, regardless of gender. Through these activities, the children were encouraged to see their own potential, and the session fostered an environment where the value of inclusion and equal opportunity was clearly demonstrated.

The children took part in a mentorship session led by Ms. Maryann Silas, a guest speaker who focused on emotional well-being. Ms. Silas facilitated a detailed discussion on emotions, helping the children understand how their actions and words can impact the feelings of others. She explained that emotions are not only personal but also shape how individuals interact with one another. Through relatable examples, Ms. Silas illustrated how recognizing and managing emotions is key to forming positive and respectful relationships. The session also introduced conflict resolution strategies, where Ms. Silas emphasized the importance of acknowledging one’s mistakes, offering genuine apologies, and working towards resolving misunderstandings in a peaceful and thoughtful manner. She guided the children through practical scenarios, showing them how to navigate conflicts constructively. By the end of the session, the children gained important skills in emotional intelligence, which are crucial for their social and personal development.

An interactive component of the boot-camp encouraged the children to ask questions, share their personal experiences, and engage in open discussions. This session created a space for the children to connect more deeply with the topics and allowed them to reflect on the lessons they had learned. They shared their thoughts on emotions and conflict resolution, which helped reinforce the understanding of these concepts. The open dialogue also helped to improve the children’s communication skills as they practiced listening and expressing themselves clearly. The discussions fostered a sense of community and mutual respect among the participants, as they learned to value each other’s perspectives and experiences. This exchange of ideas not only deepened the children’s understanding of emotional well-being and conflict resolution but also contributed to the development of a supportive, collaborative environment that encouraged active learning and positive social interactions.

The event successfully demonstrated how sports can serve as a powerful vehicle for both personal and social transformation, providing a platform for growth, unity, and inclusion. Through these activities, the children learned to value the principles of teamwork, empathy, and mutual respect, which will have a lasting impact on their lives.