Life Skills Development Through Sport

FAME Foundation, in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good, organised its monthly Life Skills Development Through Sports session under the Play It Dream It initiative at L.E.A Primary School, Jabi, Abuja. The session gathered over 70 pupils from the school, providing them with an opportunity to learn practical life lessons while engaging in structured physical activities.

The session was designed to use sports as a tool to teach essential life skills, including teamwork, discipline, communication, and self-confidence. Participants were guided through activities that encouraged cooperation, critical thinking, and goal setting, helping them understand how the lessons from sport can be applied to everyday life.

The day began with a warm-up session led by Coach Musa Muhammad. Participants jogged around the field and performed stretching exercises to prepare their bodies for the physical activities ahead. The warm-up also helped build concentration and created a sense of readiness among the children.

Afterward, the children participated in the Picking the Ball Race, an activity that involved speed, coordination, and teamwork. Each group was required to work together to complete their tasks, learning the importance of communication and mutual support in achieving shared goals.

A skipping exercise followed, where participants took turns using ropes to improve their balance, rhythm, and endurance. The exercise encouraged patience and focus while helping participants build self-control and awareness of others.

The final sporting activity was a football competition, which allowed the children to apply teamwork and fair play in a real-game setting. The match provided a platform for interaction and collaboration, giving participants the chance to experience collective decision-making and leadership on the field.

The mentorship session was facilitated by Coach Ifeoma Adibe, who led an engaging session on the topic “The Power of Education for a Better Future.” The session was interactive and participatory, with the children encouraged to share their views, ask questions, and connect the topic to their personal experiences.

Coach Ifeoma began by explaining the meaning of education beyond school attendance, describing it as a lifelong process that develops knowledge, values, and character. She highlighted that education gives individuals the ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. She explained that learning shapes discipline and self-control, which are necessary for achieving goals in both academic and personal life.

The session also explored how education influences behaviour, self-esteem, and opportunities. Coach Ifeoma discussed real-life examples of people who achieved success through education and dedication, showing how persistence and focus can transform one’s life regardless of background or circumstances. She emphasized that education is not limited to reading and writing but includes practical knowledge, problem-solving, and creativity.

To deepen understanding, the coach used storytelling and simple analogies that the pupils could relate to. She compared the journey of education to sports training, noting that athletes must train consistently, accept feedback, and remain focused despite challenges. In the same way, students must be patient, resilient, and committed to continuous improvement to reach their full potential.

During the interactive session, pupils shared their understanding of the topic and spoke about how education can influence their choices and future opportunities.

The Life Skills Development Through Sports session forms part of FAME Foundation’s continuous effort to promote education, inclusion, and child development using sport as a learning tool. The partnership with Laureus Sport for Good continues to provide opportunities for children in public schools to develop critical life competencies that support both academic and personal growth.