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About us

Empowering African athletes, one dream at a time

We believe that Africa's future can run faster than its past.

Who we are

Bridging the gap between talent and opportunity

Paragon-supported shot putter mid-throw at the West African University Games

Paragon Sports Development Foundation (PSDF) is a purpose-driven, non-profit organisation committed to empowering and supporting young African athletes to rise above limitations, transforming raw talent into excellence and potential into purpose.

Every year, countless gifted athletes give up not because they lack ability, but because they lack access to training, mentorship, food, or even transport to practice. We exist to change that narrative.

Through mentorship, education, scholarship access and community outreach, Paragon bridges the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring every athlete, regardless of background, status or location, is seen, supported and celebrated.

TODO Add founding year and registration details (not published on the current site).

Our vision

A world where every athlete, regardless of background, thrives in a safe and supportive environment, equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources to reach their full potential on and off the field.

Our mission

To empower athletes, especially those from underserved communities, through holistic support that nurtures their physical, academic, and personal growth, while ensuring access to nutrition, development programs, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement.

What we do

Four pillars of support

01

Humanitarian support

Food, shelter, training gear and essential needs for athletes in crisis.

02

Educational development

Scholarships, mentorship and academic aid so student-athletes excel beyond the field.

03

Talent development

Pathways for training, competition and performance excellence.

04

Global exposure

Connecting athletes to universities, scholarships and international opportunities.

Through these pillars, Paragon continues to turn raw potential into excellence, using sport as a language of hope, resilience and transformation.

300+

Athletes impacted

Young athletes who have benefited from our programs.

200+

Scholarships awarded

14

Countries reached

17+

Communities supported

10+

Volunteers

7

Coaches supported

Our values

What we stand for

Empathy

We see every athlete's struggle and stand with them.

Integrity

We lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Development

We invest in growth: physical, mental, academic, and social.

Community

We believe in unity, mentorship, and collective progress.

Excellence

We push boundaries and redefine what's possible.

Our people

Meet the team

The people guiding Paragon's work across Africa. Select a profile to read more, or connect with them on LinkedIn. Read our founder's story.

Star Mpama

Founder

Global sports development leader, athlete manager, and founder of Paragon Sports Development Foundation. Star is also …

Star Mpama, founder of Paragon, smiling with arms crossed in a black sleeveless dress

Star Mpama

Founder

Global sports development leader, athlete manager, and founder of Paragon Sports Development Foundation. Star is also a sprinter, hosts Beyond the Finish Line with Star, and is an Official Ambassador of the International Organization of Youth (IOY) for 2026–2027.

Clinton Nkweke

Board Member

Data analyst, tech consultant, and digital advocate for sports and youth empowerment.

Clinton Nkweke in a black suit and striped tie

Clinton Nkweke

Board Member

Data analyst, tech consultant, and digital advocate for sports and youth empowerment.

Kesiena Igho Oghoghorie

Board Member

British-Nigerian sports lawyer and advisor to athletes and sports organisations.

Kesiena Igho Oghoghorie in a black suit and striped tie

Kesiena Igho Oghoghorie

Board Member

British-Nigerian sports lawyer and advisor to athletes and sports organisations.

Onome Ogbeni

Board Member

Professional track and field athlete and business analyst specialising in sports management.

Onome Ogbeni smiling in a purple track and field jacket

Onome Ogbeni

Board Member

Professional track and field athlete and business analyst specialising in sports management.

Eseroghene Oguma

Board Member

CEO and co-founder of Athletic Heat Limited, a leading sports media and athlete management brand in …

Eseroghene Oguma smiling

Eseroghene Oguma

Board Member

CEO and co-founder of Athletic Heat Limited, a leading sports media and athlete management brand in Africa.

Chibuike Donald Nwamere

Assistant Sprint Coach

An adaptable leader and strategist based in Searcy, Arkansas. With dual master's degrees in Business Administration …

Chibuike Donald Nwamere in a blue polo shirt

Chibuike Donald Nwamere

Assistant Sprint Coach

An adaptable leader and strategist based in Searcy, Arkansas. With dual master's degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Management Information Systems (MSIS) from Harding University, Donald blends business acumen with data-driven decision-making. His experience spans marketing, athletic operations as a graduate assistant sprint coach, and student leadership within International Student Education. With a strong foundation in digital asset design, event management and supply chain fundamentals, he thrives on optimising workflows and fostering impactful community connections.

Comfort Balogun

UI/UX Designer & Content Creator

UI/UX and brand designer, creative lead, content strategist and social media manager, with experience in digital …

Comfort Balogun in a light blue blazer with arms crossed

Comfort Balogun

UI/UX Designer & Content Creator

UI/UX and brand designer, creative lead, content strategist and social media manager, with experience in digital product design, visual branding, content creation, social media strategy, storytelling and brand growth. Comfort manages social media platforms, develops content strategies, designs engaging creatives and builds digital experiences that help brands communicate clearly and stand out online.

Be part of the team

Whether you give, volunteer or partner with us, you help a young athlete keep moving forward.

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