In a momentous effort to celebrate the International Youth Day of 2023 and foster inclusivity, the FAME Foundation, a dedicated non-governmental organization (NGO), has joined forces with the French Embassy in Nigeria to present the ‘Play it Dream it Inclusion Para-Soccer Tournament.’
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The event is poised to take place on the 12th and 13th of August, 2023, in the Indoor Hall of the esteemed Sani Abacha Stadium in Sabon Gari, Kano.
The event seeks to commemorate International Youth Day while simultaneously providing a platform for individuals with disabilities to actively participate in sports.
This initiative aims to elevate physical well-being and amplify awareness regarding the exceptional abilities and untapped potential residing within people with disabilities in Kano.
By orchestrating the ‘Play it Dream it Inclusion Para-Soccer Tournament,’ the organizers intend to forge connections among local disability organizations, sports teams, and civic leaders, thereby fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration.
Gracing the tournament will be eight professional teams hailing from Kano State, converging to compete and showcase their skills on the field.
This event promises to offer people with disabilities a spotlight to demonstrate their remarkable talents and capabilities in the realm of sports.
FAME Foundation, ardently committed to championing inclusivity and dismantling barriers that hinder the participation of people with disabilities, recognizes the pivotal role of sports in achieving this noble objective.
Arabinrin Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, the Executive Director of the FAME Foundation, elucidated the significance of the event.
Ogunleye-Bello expressed the intent behind the tournament, emphasizing its invitation to people living with disabilities to engage and take part.
The event aspires to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, amplifying the message of para-soccers’ potential and spotlighting the challenges faced by those living with disabilities.
Ogunleye-Bello expressed her enthusiasm, “We are thrilled to be hosting this competition, and we invite everyone to show up and cheer on the competitors. We can all benefit from a society that is more inclusive and just if we work together.
At FAME, we believe that everyone, regardless of disability, should be able to engage in sports and display their abilities, and we’re excited to see the teams compete and to be part of this important event.”
This impactful project, funded by the Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects (FSPI – R) under the purview of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, is strategically designed to uplift initiatives in realms encompassing democratic governance, culture, French language, higher education, and research.
The ‘Play it Dream it Inclusion Para-Soccer Tournament’ stands as a remarkable example of collaborative efforts and a remarkable stride toward a more inclusive society.”
