Meet The Founders

innocent and ariana, smiling with their heads close together in a field with trees and a cloudy sky behind them.

Innocent and Ariana Oshioagbhe are the husband-and-wife team behind Springboard for Africa. They are parents to two young daughters and share a deep love for both gymnastics and creating opportunities for children who need it most.

A Shared Mission

Raised in Nigeria with determination and a love for gymnastics, Innocent turned a humble beginning into a remarkable journey. His path took him from handmade equipment to competing on the world stage—but what truly defines him isn’t just where he’s been, it’s what he’s committed to building for others.

Resilient, driven, and deeply intentional, Innocent is someone who sees potential where others see limitation. As a program director and head coach, he leads with care and purpose, guiding young athletes through both skill development and personal growth. Whether he’s coaching in the gym or managing the technical setup for competitions, he brings the same focus and expertise to everything he does.

Today, he also works as an equipment technician for Gymnastics BC and Spieth America, ensuring that gymnastics events across Canada are safely and professionally prepared. The role is a perfect fit: equal parts hands-on skill and behind-the-scenes responsibility—two qualities that have always defined his approach to the sport and to life.

Innocent has never forgotten where he came from—and now, he’s working to ensure the next generation doesn’t have to leave home to chase a dream.

About Innocent

innocent in a red jacket standing in a room with young girls,

Ariana’s love for gymnastics started early—she was just 18 months old when she first joined a class. Growing up in Canada, the sport quickly became a central part of her life. She went on to compete across the country, proudly representing Team BC at four National Championships, among many other competitions, building memories that shaped who she is today.

Since 2013, Ariana has been coaching athletes of all ages and abilities, blending her experience as a competitive gymnast with a deep understanding of how sport can shape young lives. With a degree in Physical Education and Coaching, and a specialization in Kinesiology, she brings both technical expertise and a thoughtful, youth-centered approach to everything she does.

Her passion lies in using movement and mentorship to help kids build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose—supporting their growth not just as athletes, but as individuals.

About Ariana

A gymnast in a blue and white uniform flipping in the air above a panel of people sitting at a long table during a competition or event.
Young woman standing on horizontal lines on gym floor, smiling, wearing athletic clothing, and sneakers, with a gymnastics mat and red wall in the background.

Together, Innocent and Ariana are managers of a gymnastics facility in Richmond, BC — part of the Greater Vancouver area — where they coach and mentor athletes daily. Their hands-on experience in running gymnastics programs for all ages and abilities has given them the knowledge and perspective needed to build something truly impactful in Nigeria.

Where They Are Now

  • Innocent Oshioagbhe

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Ariana Oshioagbhe

    CO-FOUNDER & OPERATIONS MANAGER

  • Tiana Gomes

    DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

  • Celestina Tay

    FEILD COORDINATOR (NIGERIA)