It was an exciting moment at the Maracana Children’s Christmas Party organised by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation as the Borussia Dortmund’s striker Karim Adeyemi’s presence at the event inspired youngsters that were present at the occasion held at the weekend.
Adeyemi who was a special guest at the facility charged the children not to relent in their efforts to have fun alongside playing football.
He described the Maracana Stadium as an example of a community-based facility that can mould every young person to become a world beater.
“I feel very proud to see that something like this is happening here and also, I am very happy to have one of the buildings in the facility alongside a beautiful pitch for the kids to play. The plan is to look for the kids for a better future in football and, to know each other by having fun and playing football together,” he said.
Adeyemi promised through his foundation that he would continue to support Nigerian kids in their quest to play football at the highest level,” he said.
For the head of Youth Academy at Borussia Dortumund, Christian Dierch, the Maracana stadium would surely help the kids to hone their skills alongside their live lesson through sports.
”And we (Dortmund) especially feel proud that Adeyemi has his own foundation and willing to be responsible for Africa and to do good things- charitable work and this is something we will like to see as a club,” he said.
He added: “But first the most important reason why we are here is doing charitable work because we feel it is not only about football development but making players better from technical aspects especially, making them good human beings with the proper education and value and understanding.”
According to the chairman of Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, Yemi Idowu, the presence of Adeyemi would surely inspire most youngsters in the area.
“So what we are having today is the children’s Christmas party, so we took the opportunity to welcome Adeyemi. Kareem Adeyemi Foundation supported the construction of one of the hostels.
“The kids showed a lot of enthusiasm, some of them are young to understand what this is all about but at least they will remember that when they were young they came to a place like this. For the old ones, it is just a way to reinforce the spirit behind this place which is where you can play with kids that come from all over the state of your own peer group,” Idowu said.
Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Fatai Ayoola lauded the visit of Adeyemi. “I am highly elated, happy, and honoured to have that kind of personality identifying with the poorest of the poor in the community. Ajegunle is one of the suburbs in Lagos but with abundant talents.”
