Renowned sports equipment manufacturing firm, adidas and its strategic partner, LATC, during the week, donated 200 footballs to schools across Lagos State as a “demonstration of their shared commitment to youth empowerment, gender inclusion and grassroots sports development.”

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.

Adidas said that this initiative is to support 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 Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, 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.”

Chief Strategy Officer at LATC, adidas’ franchise partner in Nigeria, Kingsley Oko, emphasised 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.

“School sports is a powerful tool for a complete education,” said Oko. “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 said, adding, “it arrives at a time when physical education and inclusive participation are being re-emphasised as key pillars of national development.”