More Than Just a Street Kid: How Sports Can Rebuild the Reputation of Communities.
Karim Adeyemi Foundation (KAF) is delighted to announce its 4th edition of the IDSDP Essay Competition, an annual initiative for students of public secondary schools in Oyo state, that began in 2023 to commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
Now in its fourth year, this initiative reflects KAF’s commitment to Education and sports empowerment. These two values lie at the heart of our work and the story of our founder, Karim Adeyemi. The competition nurtures young minds through sports-inspired education, fuels their curiosity and sparks their spirit of research and innovation.
With this year’s Global theme, “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” KAF calls on public school students across Oyo State to look at sport not just as a game, but as a catalyst that unites people, eradicates stigma, connects local communities to opportunities, and builds greatness.
The global theme speaks directly to the reality of our local communities, many communities are dealing with stigma and the direct effects of it. Many communities have been so labelled, that nothing spectacular, for example even a university graduate, can come out of it. Sports can be an agent of breaking barriers of stigma and lack of access. That these communities and these young people can step above the stigma and stereotype of their surroundings. That their overlooked strength, creativity, and brilliance can get some light.
Sport can rebuild reputation, open doors, and show the heart, unity, resilience, and possibility behind these streets and communities. That’s why we’re encouraging students to explore this year’s topic of being “More Than Just a Street Kid” and show how sport can change the way the world sees their communities. Through this competition, students can challenge stigma and show that their communities are not defined by stereotypes, but by potential.
Competition Timeline and Awards
The two stages of the competition will be in February and April, after which an award ceremony follows in subsequent months to be decided by KAF team.
Starting today Monday, February 9, 2026, students can submit their essays and creative pieces — which serve as their indication of interest to participate— through the official competition website https://karimadeyemifoundation.org/kaf-idsdp-2026/
Selected students will move on to the major stage, CBT essay examination at the Distance Learning Center, University of Ibadan, in March. At the award ceremony, twelve (12) finalists will be celebrated, amongst them there will be two runners up and one winner. A sum of one million naira will be dedicated at varying amounts to all 12 students towards the sponsorship of their WASSCE, NECO, UTME, exams as well as part payments towards their higher institutions fees. All participants in the essay competition will receive certificates and gift bags from both Karim Adeyemi Foundation and Polaris Bank. All Participants will also be invited to the Award Ceremony. But beyond prizes, the rewards and impact live on through a year long mentorship, confidence built, and broadened thinking that the students carry forward.
25 winners have been beneficiaries over the 3 years that this competition has commenced. Some past winners include Esuola Timothy from Government College, Ibadan, 2025 edition; ADENIYI JOSEPH from Celestial Church of Christ High School, 2025 edition; Orukotan Emmanuel from Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Ibadan, 2024 edition, who has gone on to gain admission into Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun state as a Medical Student, Akinade Priscilla, 2024 edition; Adeyemo BrightWonders, 2024 edition, also now studying Computer Science at Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo state; Ogundele Damilare Emmanuel from Ikolaba Grammar School, 2023 edition, admitted into Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Ilorin, Kwara state; and so many more!
Partnerships
This year’s competition is proudly held in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Oyo State Wing, and Polaris Bank.
About Karim Adeyemi Foundation
KAF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering people through education, sports, and community development. Founded and inspired by the journey and values of footballer Karim Adeyemi, the organisation works to create opportunities that help children dream bigger and do better.
For further enquiries, contact scholarships@karimadeyemifoundation.org or hello@karimadeyemifoundation.org.
