Creating opportunities for every child to thrive.
Our Mission
To make gymnastics accessible to all children—regardless of background, ability, or income—through grassroots programs that build physical literacy, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement.
By offering community-based classes, recreational programs, and inclusive training, we’re opening the door for every child to participate in sport. With expert coaching, local mentorship, and international - standard facilities, we’re laying the foundation for healthy development, job creation, and stronger communities across Africa.
Our Vision
We envision an Africa where every child, regardless of ability or circumstance, has the opportunity to move, play, and grow through gymnastics.
A future where physical literacy is part of everyday life, and children are supported from their very first class to develop confidence, coordination, and a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
By investing in early access, inclusive programs, and local infrastructure, we aim to build a continent where gymnastics improves quality of life, empowers futures, and strengthens communities from the ground up.
Gymnastics is one of the most complete and foundational sports a child can experience. It builds physical strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility—while also fostering discipline, resilience, and confidence from a young age. But its true power lies beyond the physical. Gymnastics teaches life skills: how to fall, get back up, and try again. These lessons help shape strong, capable individuals—on and off the mat.
Starting early in life, gymnastics lays the groundwork for lifelong health and well-being. It promotes body awareness, mental focus, and a love for movement that can lead to healthier choices, better habits, and greater self-esteem well into adulthood. And it’s a sport for everyone, not just the elite. Regardless of ability, background, or experience, every child can benefit from the joy and structure gymnastics brings.
But for many children across Africa, this opportunity remains out of reach. Quality equipment is rare. Qualified coaches are few. Safe, welcoming spaces to train and play simply don’t exist in many communities. Talent is everywhere, but access to nurture it isn’t.
At Springboard for Africa, we’re changing that—starting at the grassroots, so that every child has the chance to move, grow, and thrive.
Why Gymnastics?
The Power of Gymnastics
For our founders, Innocent and Ariana Oshioagbhe, gymnastics has been more than just a sport—it’s been a launchpad for personal growth, resilience, and purpose.
Innocent grew up in Edo State, Nigeria, where gymnastics was a dream pursued on welded bars and old wrestling mats. Despite the lack of resources, his passion and perseverance carried him to the national stage and eventually to Canada, where he continued as both an athlete and coach. His story reflects the reality for many African children: talent is everywhere, but access is not.
Ariana, a former Canadian competitive artistic and trampoline gymnast, now a dedicated coach, experienced firsthand the structure, joy, and confidence that come with quality training from a young age. She’s seen how early access to sport can shape a child’s life—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Together, they share a vision: to make gymnastics a part of everyday life for children across Africa. Not just for those chasing medals, but for every child who deserves the chance to move, grow, and belong—no matter where they live or what resources they have.
Our Personal Connection
Guided By Faith
At the heart of Springboard for Africa is a deep, unwavering belief: every child matters.
Matthew 19:14 reminds us of Jesus’ gentle call—“Let the little children come to me…”—a beautiful reflection of how precious each child is in God’s eyes. In Mark 9:36–37, we’re shown that to welcome a child is to welcome Christ Himself—an invitation to love, serve, and uplift the most vulnerable. And through Matthew 18:10–14, we’re reminded that not even one child is ever forgotten by God. He searches for the lost, protects the overlooked, and rejoices in their return.
These verses guide our mission. They speak to our calling: to open doors for children who’ve been held back by circumstance, to offer spaces where they can dream, move, grow, and be truly seen. Through every beam we raise and every class we offer, we are answering that call—building more than a gym, but a place of hope, dignity, and belonging.
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 19:14 NKJV
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
— Mathew 18:10-14 NKJV
“Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
— Mark 9:36 -37 NKJV
Our Partner
We’re proud to be working with Jalia Africa Foundation, a Canadian registered charity that supports organizations across Africa that benefit the lives of children. Through this partnership, Canadian donors can make contributions to support Springboard for Africa and receive official Canadian tax receipts for their donations.
This partnership helps Springboard for Africa grow with the support of our Canadian community, making it easier for donors to give in a way that works best for them.
Giving Through Jalia Africa Foundation
