Wednesday, December 3, a date set aside as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the FAME Foundation organised special games for the physically challenged, tagged HerSTEM Inclusive tournament at the national Stadium Lagos.

Scores of budding physically challenged athletes took part in the games. The kids were excited as they competed on the tracks and field events.

As an Ambassador of Fame Foundation, multiple Paralympic gold medalist, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, was at the national stadium to mentor the budding physically challenged athletes and assure them of a brighter future if they remain committed in the pursuit of their dreams.

She spoke of her impression of the young athletes she saw on the day. “With what I have seen here, there is hope for the future. The talent we have will make this nation and Fame Foundation proud in future,” she said.

She said physically challenged athletes Kemisola Ibitoye Director of Programs at FAME Foundation disclosed that the same event was being replicated in other capital cities around the world. “This is part of our STEM initiative, a FAME Foundation initiative that is empowering girls and women with disability through stem. So, these games are being staged in commemoration of International Day of Persons Living with Disability.”

Executive Director FAME Foundation said, “The Inclusive Games allowed us to celebrate different abilities through activities such as the 100m finals for visually impaired athletes, athletes with cerebral palsy, and the Deaf, as well as the Discus Throw for amputees and polio survivors, and the Shot Put for amputee and Lexul athletes. This is what inclusion should look like in our society.”

She continued, “We are breaking stereotypes and showing that with the right opportunities, people with disabilities are not just included, they are leaders and contributors to social progress.”

“This ASTEM initiative is empowering girls and women with disability through stem.

And this is where we bring girls and women with disability into a safe space to teach them the basic things that they need to know about computer.”