A youth development advocate, FemiLee Olawuyi has disclosed how sports can be used to bring hope to talents in socially challenged communities.
Olawuyi, who is the creative director of a non-governmental organisation called Gloves For Africa, made this known in an interview with Sports247 at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, where they were on the ground to gift boxing gloves to the winners of the boxing event.
He further disclosed that his organisation, which was founded by Chuks Uwaechia from the United Kingdom, has chosen boxing to carry along the message of their mission in taking many sports talents away from poverty.
Olawuyi pointed out, “Gloves For Africa is a foundation that supports young people in challenged communities, using boxing as a tool. We encourage them to use their potential to become young champions.
“We are here in Delta State to support the peace initiative for the National Youth Games. We see what has been going on in the emergence of the medalists, and we encourage them to become better in what they do.”
He then spoke expressly about his observations so far at Asaba 2024, where he reckoned that it has been confirmed that many of the best talents have not been adequately supported.
“What I have seen so far is that most of these young boxers still need more encouragement to make them know that the impossible does not exist.
“They must always think far and big, regardless of their challenged communities. We encourage them to believe that they are bound to succeed because they have that potential in them,” Olawuyi reasoned.
He concluded by stating the areas of support that Gloves For Africa can provide young sports stars, like the ones currently emerging at the 2024 NYG in Asaba.
“When a body like ours comes in to support these young ones, we can provide the equipment they need and ensure they reach greater height.
“Also, from my observations here so far, I can see some improvements in Nigeria’s youth sports sector. It’s getting better, better every day,” Olawuyi concluded
