PLAY it DREAM it September Boot-Camp

FAME Foundation, in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good, hosted its September Boot Camp under the PLAY it DREAM it initiative on September 7, 2025, at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Garki, Abuja. The boot camp created an engaging and transformative space for children from the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, using sport as a platform for education, empowerment, and social change.

The program was designed to highlight the unifying power of sport while reinforcing confidence, teamwork, inclusion, and gender equality. Beyond providing recreational activities, the event also addressed life skills, fostering values that contribute to the holistic development of the children.

The day’s activities began with structured sports sessions facilitated by Coach Olawale Omotego, who guided the children through warm-up routines, short races, football drills, and group games. Each activity was designed to build stamina, enhance coordination, and instill discipline. More importantly, these exercises demonstrated how sport can improve physical fitness and overall well-being, while also teaching participants to work together, respect one another, and appreciate the strength that comes from unity.

A significant feature of the sporting sessions was the deliberate emphasis on gender equality. Boys and girls actively participated in the same activities, ensuring equal access and shared experiences. This inclusive approach created an environment where every child, regardless of gender, felt valued and supported. It also challenged stereotypes by showing that both boys and girls could excel side by side, fostering cooperation, confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging.

In addition to the physical exercises, the boot camp incorporated a mentorship component aimed at broadening the children’s knowledge of healthy living. This session was led by Mr. Jeffrey Edung, who spoke on the theme “Healthy Habits – simple lessons on eating well, sleeping, and exercising.” Mr. Edung explained the importance of proper nutrition, highlighting how balanced meals fuel the body to grow stronger, learn better, and stay active throughout the day. He further emphasized the value of quality sleep, describing how rest allows the body and mind to recover, improves concentration in school, and enhances daily performance.

What made the session particularly impactful was its interactive nature. Mr. Edung encouraged the children to ask and answer questions, share their own experiences, and connect the lessons to their daily lives. With practical tips and relatable examples, he created an atmosphere where the children not only absorbed the information but also felt empowered to apply it.

The mentorship session complemented the sports activities by reinforcing the idea that well-being extends beyond the playing field. Together, the physical and educational session of the boot camp illustrated a holistic approach to child development, one that nurtures both the body and the mind.

The children’s active involvement throughout the program further enriched the experience. Their willingness to participate in group discussions, share ideas, and learn from one another turned the session into a collaborative space where peer-to-peer learning thrived. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the participants underscored the effectiveness of combining play with education, creating an environment that was not only engaging but also deeply impactful.

Overall, the September Boot Camp reaffirmed the mission of the PLAY it DREAM it initiative: to use sport as a tool for building stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities. By providing opportunities for displaced children to engage in physical activities, learn about healthy living, and experience equality in practice, the program contributed to their personal growth and development. It also offered them a safe space where they could feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to pursue their dreams.

The collaboration between FAME Foundation and Laureus Sport for Good continues to demonstrate the transformative potential of sport. The September Boot Camp stands as a testament to the power of inclusive programming in shaping young lives, instilling valuable life skills, and planting seeds of resilience, confidence, and hope among children who need it most.