Folashade Oluwafemiayo, a multi-medalist para-athlete, (extreme right) and Kemisola Ibitoye, programmes director at FAME Foundation, (extreme left) alongside participating athletes at the 2025 HerSTEM inclusive tournament in Lagos
FAME Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), hosted the 2025 edition of the HerSTEM inclusive tournament, a national parasports championship, in Lagos on Wednesday.
The tournament, held at the main bowl of the National Stadium in Surulere, is part of activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated annually on December 3.
Over 20 para-athletes competed in a variety of sports, including 100 m finals for visually impaired athletes, athletes with cerebral palsy, and deaf athletes.
Other activities are discus throw for amputees and polio survivors, and shot put for amputees and Lexul athletes.
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Aderonke Atoyebi, executive director of the FAME Foundation, said the tournament aims to provide space for women with disabilities to showcase their talent, break stereotypes and demonstrate that they are contributors to social progress.
She then urged the government and the private sector to invest in amplifying the voices of people with disabilities and improving their accessibility.
“Building a truly inclusive society requires all of us working together. We call on the government to fully implement and enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018,” FAME Foundation executive director said.
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“We also urge the private sector, civil society, and media to invest in accessibility, champion inclusive policies, and amplify the voices and achievements of persons with disabilities.
“Our collective progress depends on our commitment to inclusion. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every individual, regardless of ability, can contribute their talents and succeed. Disability is not a limitation but one aspect of our diverse human experience.”
Folashade Oluwafemiayo, a multi-medalist para-athlete and ambassador of the FAME Foundation, said she hopes the tournament will be an eye-opener for other stakeholders to establish more initiatives for people living with disabilities.
“I was sitting right there looking at the athletes doing their thing. We have new up-and-coming talents who will make this nation proud in the future,” she said.
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“When people with disabilities who are out and see this kind of initiative, they will want to come in. It will be empowering for them, and I see it bringing more people with disabilities into sports.”
More photos from the HerSTEM inclusive tournament below:
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