On March 12, 2025, FAME Foundation, in partnership with Laureus Sport for Good, resumed its monthly Life Skills Development Through Sports session at L.E.A Primary School, Apo Settlement, Abuja, as part of the Play It Dream It initiative. The event gathered 70 participants, who engaged in a series of activities designed to foster personal growth and develop life skills. The focus of the day was to help the children build teamwork, self-confidence, and self-esteem through sports and mentorship.

The session began with a light warm-up that included jogging and stretching exercises. These activities were designed to prepare the participants physically and mentally for the day ahead. Jogging allowed the children to gradually increase their heart rates and warm up their muscles, while the light stretches helped improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury during the more intense activities to follow. This warm-up routine also served to foster a sense of routine and discipline, setting a positive tone for the session while encouraging the children to be mindful of their physical health and well-being.

The session began with an energizing “picking the ball race.” In this activity, participants were divided into two groups, each starting from opposite sides of the field. The children raced toward a set of balls placed at the far end and, one by one, picked them up and ran back to place them in a basket at the starting point. The task encouraged friendly competition and helped break down social barriers, as children from different backgrounds worked together towards a common goal. The activity also allowed the children to practice time management, physical coordination, and focus in a fun and lighthearted environment.

Following the ball race, the children played a football game that focused on teamwork, communication, and coordination. Divided into teams, they worked together to pass the ball, strategize their positions, and collaborate on offensive and defensive plays. The session provided an opportunity for the participants to practice essential skills like passing, team positioning, and spatial awareness. As they played, the children learned the importance of working together, listening to one another, and supporting their teammates both on and off the field. The game helped reinforce the value of cooperation and mutual respect.

After the football game, the group moved on to a skipping exercise, which focused on improving physical coordination, balance, and rhythm. The children were encouraged to work in pairs or small groups, with each group taking turns to skip while maintaining a consistent pace. The exercise was designed to improve their timing and motor skills, and also promoted teamwork as they cheered each other on and provided encouragement.

In addition to the physical activities, Coach Blessing led a mentorship session focused on Social Skills & Etiquette. She began by explaining the importance of simple yet impactful gestures, such as saying “Please” and “Thank You,” which help create positive interactions and build respect in social settings. She emphasized how these small acts of courtesy could go a long way in building trust and making others feel valued.

Coach Blessing also discussed the importance of good table manners and dining etiquette. She demonstrated how to use utensils properly, chew with one’s mouth closed, and wait for others to be served before starting a meal.

The session continued with discussions about the significance of apologizing and forgiving. Coach Blessing explained how admitting when one is wrong and offering a sincere apology can heal relationships, while forgiveness helps to move past conflicts and build stronger bonds.

Throughout the session, Coach Blessing kept the children actively involved, asking them questions and encouraging them to share their thoughts. She used examples from everyday life to make the lessons relatable, ensuring that the children understood how they could apply the skills they were learning in their daily lives. By the end of the event, the participants had gained a deeper appreciation for social skills and etiquette. They left with a stronger sense of how to navigate various social situations with confidence, respect, and a sense of community. The session not only helped develop their physical and social skills but also instilled values that would support their personal growth and interactions with others.