In a significant move to champion inclusion and empowerment, the FAME Foundation has unveiled plans for its 2025 HerSTEM Inclusive Tournament. This flagship event is dedicated to showcasing the athletic talents of Nigerian girls and women living with disabilities.
Event Details and Sporting Categories
The tournament is scheduled to hold at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. It forms a core part of activities to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed globally on December 3. The 2025 edition is designed to be a vibrant display of skill and determination across various parasports disciplines.
Organisers have outlined a range of competitive events tailored to participants with different disabilities. The lineup includes sprint events for athletes who are visually impaired, have cerebral palsy, or are Deaf. Field events will feature the discus throw for amputees and polio survivors, as well as shot put for amputees and Lexul athletes.
Driving Inclusion and Empowerment
Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, the Executive Director of FAME Foundation, stated that the tournament's primary goal is to foster an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of ability, can participate fully in society. She connected this mission directly to the 2025 global theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which centres on building societies that enable all individuals to achieve their potential.
Atoyebi highlighted that disability inclusion continues to be uneven across numerous sectors. She pointed out that girls and women are disproportionately impacted by barriers that limit their access to education, employment, and social engagement. According to her, sports serve as a powerful instrument for empowerment, representation, and community building.
"This tournament seeks to provide a national platform for athletes with disabilities to demonstrate their remarkable skills and resilience," Atoyebi said. She extended an open invitation to the public to attend the event and show their support for the participating athletes.
A Call for Increased Investment and Support
Beyond the competition, the Foundation's leader issued a strong appeal for greater investment in Nigeria's parasports ecosystem. She called for enhanced funding and commitment towards parasports infrastructure, specialised training programmes, and accessible facilities.
Atoyebi urged government agencies, private sector organisations, development partners, and the media to allocate more resources to initiatives that actively promote inclusion and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities. She specifically commended the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for its partnership in the 2025 tournament, noting that their support is in harmony with broader efforts to drive inclusive development and national progress.
The HerSTEM Inclusive Tournament stands as a testament to the ongoing work needed to break down barriers and celebrate the abilities and contributions of all Nigerians.
