Equipment
Kit Up an Athlete
We help address equipment barriers by connecting athletes with essential sporting kits and resources that support training and competition.
Learn more about Kit Up an Athlete
Why athletes?
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
Where an athlete comes from should not determine how far their talent can take them.
Across Africa, young athletes wake up every day with dreams that extend far beyond the track, field, court and playing ground. They dream of representing their countries, earning scholarships, competing internationally, building careers, and creating better futures for themselves and their families.
But talent alone is not always enough.
A sprinter may lack the spikes needed to train safely. A promising thrower may have no access to appropriate throwing shoes. A talented young athlete may miss a competition because of transport costs, struggle to access proper nutrition, or lose an educational opportunity because the resources needed to pursue it are out of reach.
These are not failures of talent or ambition. They are gaps in access.
The numbers
What support makes possible
Figures from Paragon's own programs. Each figure lists its source; items marked TODO need a confirmed source before launch.
50
Athletes reached with training kit
Grassroots athletes who received event-specific equipment in 2026.
Source: Paragon Kit Up an Athlete 2026 report
9
States in Nigeria
Nine states in Nigeria reached by Kit Up an Athlete in 2026.
Source: Paragon Kit Up an Athlete 2026 report
10
Athlete Impact Fund recipients
Four in the 2025 first edition (Zimbabwe, The Gambia, Nigeria) and six in 2026.
Source: Paragon Athlete Impact Fund 2025 and 2026
₦4450000
Awarded through AIF 2.0
Total awarded to six athletes in the 2026 Athlete Impact Fund.
Source: Paragon Athlete Impact Fund 2026
12
Months of shoe sponsorship
For an under-14 national champion, one new pair each month.
Source: Paragon Kit Up an Athlete 2026
300+
Athletes impacted
Across all Paragon programs to date.
Source: Paragon (current website, 2025) TODO: verify source
200+
Scholarships awarded
Scholarship opportunities secured for athletes.
Source: Paragon (current website, 2025) TODO: verify source
14
Countries reached
Source: Paragon (current website, 2025) TODO: verify source
17+
Communities supported
Source: Paragon (current website, 2025) TODO: verify source
Why supporting athletes matters
When you give young athletes access, this happens
01
Opportunity stops depending on what an athlete can afford
Equipment, training resources and competition costs can sideline promising athletes before they ever compete. Kit Up an Athlete and the Athlete Impact Fund remove those specific barriers.
02
Sport opens doors beyond the field
Athletics can lead to education, international exposure and new networks, if athletes get help with guidance, documentation, funding and unfamiliar systems.
03
Wellbeing becomes part of development
Nutrition, recovery, safety and emotional wellbeing all matter. Our Feed an Athlete Initiative recognises the person behind the performance.
04
Whole communities benefit
Athletes who grow become role models, mentors, coaches, entrepreneurs and advocates for the next generation.
05
African talent gets African solutions
We build practical links between athletes and the equipment, funding, welfare and education they need, and document the results of every intervention.
Every pair of spikes provided and every barrier removed is a step toward a fairer chance to thrive.
Donate nowHow Paragon is making a difference
Four core initiatives
Grants
Athlete Impact Fund
Targeted support that helps athletes address specific barriers to their development and pursue meaningful sporting or educational goals.
Learn more about Athlete Impact Fund
Welfare
Feed an Athlete Initiative
We support athletes facing basic welfare challenges, including food needs, recognising the importance of nutrition and community support.
Learn more about Feed an Athlete Initiative
Education
Education & Advocacy
We promote access to knowledge, information and development opportunities that help athletes make informed decisions about their futures.
Learn more about Education & AdvocacyOur approach: from barriers to opportunity
We identify the barriers affecting athletes, connect them with relevant support, and track what changes as a result. We are committed to responsible resource management, transparent implementation, and documenting the progress of the athletes and communities we serve.
Be part of the change
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. Together, we can change that.
Your support provides equipment, removes development barriers, strengthens athlete wellbeing and creates opportunities for young Africans.