Adidas and LATC donate 200 footballs to support grassroots football in Lagos schools

Demonstrating their shared commitment to youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and grassroots sports development, adidas and its strategic partner LATC have donated 200 adidas footballs to schools across Lagos State.

The donation, made in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, will benefit 20 schools across the state, with an equitable distribution between male and female teams. This initiative is a bold statement in support of inclusive participation in school sports, regardless of gender.

To officially mark the donation, Dave Thomas, CEO of adidas Global Emerging Markets, presented a symbolic football to the Governor of Lagos State during a courtesy visit. The gesture underscored adidas’ commitment to supporting government-led efforts in youth and sports development across Nigeria.

“Sport has the power to shape the future,” said an adidas spokesperson. “This donation is more than just equipment, it is an investment in the dreams, health, and leadership potential of young boys and girls across Lagos. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive.”

LATC, adidas’ franchise partner in Nigeria, emphasized that the donation aligns with a broader vision of developing total students; not only academically, but also physically, emotionally, and socially through the transformative power of sport.

L-R: Gbolahan Shaba (Deputy CEO LATC Group); Oladele Oladunjoye, Principal Partner, Greychapel Legal; Kate Woods, adidas General Manager Emerging Markets South; Sam Okwulehie, CEO LATC Group; Dave Thomas, adidas Managing Director Emerging Markets; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu Governor of Lagos State; Hannari Botha, adidas Senior Director Business Development Emerging Markets; Brett Burgess, adidas Senior Director Africa Export Sales Emerging Markets South; Ijeoma Arum, CEO of BrandCo and Kingsley Oko. Chief Strategy Officer, LATC Group

“School sports is a powerful tool for a complete education,” said Kingsley Oko, Chief Strategy Officer at LATC. “This donation supports children not only to become better athletes, but more confident, healthier, and focused individuals.”

The Lagos State Sports Commission lauded the initiative, noting that it deepens grassroots sports efforts and strengthens gender equity within school sporting programs.

This initiative reflects adidas’ global ethos of “changing lives through sport” and LATC’s mission to foster youth development in Nigeria. It arrives at a time when physical education and inclusive participation are being re-emphasized as key pillars of national development.

https://www.latcgroup.com/