An Inspiring Encounter with American Sports Legends : COMMAN-YA at the CAN Hospitality Event in Côte d’Ivoire
- Jul 27
- 1 min read
On the occasion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), COMMAN-YA had the honor of being invited to the Akwaba ceremony for the U.S. sports envoys, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan. It was an exceptional meeting with three icons of world sports : Lisa Leslie, Crystal Dunn, and Chiney Ogwumike.
Role Models of Success and Commitment
Beyond their Olympic titles and athletic accolades, these champions have impressed us with their stories of resilience and their advocacy for equality and inclusion :
Crystal Dunn has worked to achieve pay equity between female and male basketball players.
Chiney Ogwumike, a member of Joe Biden’s presidential council, raised $30,000 to build a basketball court in Nigeria for underprivileged youth.
Lisa Leslie, a basketball legend and the first woman to dunk, continues to shatter glass ceilings as a coach and team owner.
These icons also expressed their admiration for Ivorian change-makers, such as Bénédicte Joan of Stop au Chat Noir and Ms. Traoré, the only female owner of a basketball club in Côte d’Ivoire. proof that women’s leadership, whether in Africa or the United States, can transform mindsets and pave the way for future generations.
For Comman-ya, this gathering was a powerful moment of inspiration and connection. It reaffirms that, no matter where you are, it’s possible to challenge the status quo and change the narrative. A big thank you to the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan for this unforgettable invitation.
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