Determined to empower the youth through sports under the ‘Play it Dream it Initiative’ FAME Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has held a national breakdance championship qualifier in Kaduna and Kano, respectively.
The event aimed at empowering and strengthening the inclusion of young and vulnerable people through sport, will inspire and teach valuable life skills to young people – particularly those that are consistently underserved, excluded, or economically disadvantaged.
The championship which started on July 17, 2023 at the Alliance Francaise office in Kaduna, had a total of 41 breakdancers in attendance, while Kano qualifier that took place also on July 17, 2023 had 30 participants with the two venues recorded six and five finalists, respectively.
An excited participant from Kano, Benjamin Samuel, aka Bboy Xsycho commended the organisers for organising the championship in Kano for the very first time, saying: “I have been a dancer for a very long time, like 15 years, and throughout my journey as a dancer, I have never had an opportunity like this in Kano where a qualifier of a National Breakdance will come to the Kano state, I want to say a big shoot-out to French Embassy and FAME Foundation for remembering Kano state.”
Similarly, Obed Bawa, aka Bboy Bawa, one of the finalists from Kaduna, expressed his excitement, “I’m thrilled about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youth in Kaduna. As dancers, we usually have to travel outside the state for auditions. I want to extend my gratitude, and we are determined to train hard for the finals in Lagos to make Kaduna proud,” he assured.
After the event, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the French Embassy for their invaluable support in making this event possible. Furthermore, I appreciate the technical support provided by the Nigeria Dance Sport Federation. Through the ongoing play, it Dream it initiative, young, and vulnerable individuals will be included and empowered through sports.”
The competition will continue in three more states, Port Harcourt, on August 2, 2023; Abuja on September 9, 2023, and Lagos on September 22, 2023, with the grand finale scheduled for October. Two winners from the grand finale will represent Nigeria at an international breakdance championship in France with other consolation prizes for the runner-up.
The project is financed by the Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects (FSPI – R) of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to support initiatives in the areas of democratic governance, culture, French, higher education, and research.
