FAME Foundation excitedly welcomed a representative from Laureus Sport for Good, London, for an official visit to Abuja. This visit marks the first time Laureus Sport for Good is visiting Nigeria after years of impactful partnership with FAME Foundation, celebrating a major milestone in our shared commitment to using the power of sport to drive social change.

Laureus Sport for Good delegate, Ms. Grace Veys, arrived in Abuja on Friday, April 18, 2025, commencing a series of engagements with FAME Foundation.

On Saturday, April 19, Ms. Grace joined our Child Rights and Parental Outreach, a community-driven initiative designed to educate families, particularly those in underserved areas such as Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDP), on children’s rights, positive parenting, and the role of the community in child development. The outreach gathered girls, parents, caregivers, and local stakeholders for an engaging and insightful session. Two professional speakers led discussions on “The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Early Marriage and Sexual Abuse on Children” and “The Important Role of Mothers in Child Development.” These sessions offered perspectives on the challenges children face and emphasized the critical role parents, especially mothers, play in shaping their future.

Ms. Grace also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of education and vocational skills. She said, “It is better for girls to go to school or learn a trade, whether it is sewing, hairdressing, or even farming, than to be forced into early marriage. When girls are empowered with knowledge and skills, they are better prepared to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.”

On Sunday, April 20, Ms. Grace joined our Boot Camp, where she engaged with boys and girls. The activities at the boot camp were designed to build leadership, teamwork, and life skills through structured sports activities. Activities such as relay races, precision ball passing, and dice games reinforced the importance of discipline and the value of persistence. These exercises encouraged beneficiaries to stay focused on their goals, work together efficiently, and push through challenges.

On Tuesday, April 22nd, she visited the office for a comprehensive tour of our programs and operations. As part of her visit, she also facilitated a Safeguarding Training session on Wednesday, April 23rd, for all staff members. The training emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for children and vulnerable groups, reinforcing our shared commitment to ethical, inclusive, and protective practices across all FAME Foundation initiatives.

The visit was a great success, and the entire team was thrilled to learn from Ms. Grace. Her insights and expertise were invaluable, and her presence contributed to enhancing our ongoing efforts in child protection, youth empowerment, and community development. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Laureus Sport for Good and look forward to continuing our work together.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, highlighted,

“We are truly delighted. Laureus Sport for Good, London, has been funding and supporting us for years, and this visit reflects the strength and growth of our partnership. At FAME Foundation, we remain committed to strengthening our impact at the grassroots level, with the continued support of global partners like Laureus Sport for Good. Together, we believe in the transformative power of sport, not just as a tool for personal growth but as a catalyst for social change, one girl, one family, and one community at a time.”