Empowering youth through proper access to gymnastics
Our Story
The Early Passion
Our founder, Innocent Oshioagbhe, grew up in Nigeria with a passion for gymnastics. But with little to no equipment, limited trained coaches, and nowhere safe to train, it was challenging to progress.
It wasn’t until he had the opportunity to do training camps abroad that he saw what could be possible with the right support.
That experience changed everything.
Competing on the World Stage
Innocent went on to compete internationally, first representing Nigeria, and later Canada, in both artistic gymnastics and power tumbling. He attended multiple national and world-class events along the way.
A Defining Moment
His journey after competing for Canada led him to coaching gymnastics.
Years later, while attending a coaching course, a facilitator posed a simple but powerful question:
“What can you do to improve the sport of gymnastics?”That question hit home. In that moment, Innocent was brought back to his roots, remembering the obstacles he faced as a child in Edo State, Nigeria. He realized that his answer was clear: to make gymnastics truly accessible in the very place where it was out of reach for so many like him.
That was the spark behind Springboard for Africa.
Together with his wife Ariana—a former competitive gymnast and dedicated coach with a passion for empowering youth—they began building a vision. Not just of a facility, but of opportunity. A place where any child, no matter their background or financial situation, could access the sport, training, and mentorship they deserve.
The Spark of Springboard
Dream in Motion
What once felt like a dream is now starting to take shape.
We’re building Nigeria’s first international-standard gymnastics facility—designed for the whole community. Through grassroots programs and inclusive access, this space will give children and families the chance to move, connect, and grow together. It’s more than just a gym—it’s a place to build physical literacy, confidence, and community from the ground up.
This is just the beginning. With your support, more children across Africa can rise.
#BeAPartOfTheSpring
About Our Logo
The word Springboard means more to us than just gymnastics—it’s the heart of what we’re building.
The name Springboard comes from the piece of gymnastics equipment that launches athletes upward. The harder you push, the higher you rise. It’s a tool that gives you momentum—and that’s exactly what we aim to be: a spring for children, families, and entire communities.
We’re here to spring up local programs where there were none—creating access to movement, connection, and opportunity for all.
Our name is a promise: to launch something bigger than sport. To spark lasting change, one step, one jump, one community at a time.
#BeApartOfTheSpring
#LetsSpringIt
Gymnast illustration hand-drawn by Shelly Bryant, a local artist — thank you for your artistic contribution