Girls' Initiative – Diversity and Inclusion at Its Very Best
LIONS ROAR TOGETHER WITH THEIR LIONESSES. The spirit of social responsibility, inclusion and role model excellence made a slam dunk during halftime at both the season opening of BLNO and ENBL games for the Fyllingen Lions. Igniting the drive to get more young girls into sports is demonstrated par excellence by the Lions and their ability to build relationships, trust, and loyalty with these young ladies. Represented by Ulriken Eagles and Ytrebygda basketball club and more than 30 nationalities, this constitutes the very successful integration, diversity, and belonging in the basketball community for all children regardless of background, financial situation, or parents involvement.
An important game for the Lions against reigning ENBL champions, Voluntari, the focus was still on nurturing the relationship to the next generation. Facilitated by Anita Topdal and generously offered by the Fyllingen Lions’ veteran guard—and NextGen Neighbor Network Co-Founder—Bouna Black Ndiaye, the halftime show brought young girls from competing clubs, the Ulriken Eagles (2014) and Ytrebygda Lionesses (2016), onto the court. During halftime, they owned the court for a fun-filled basketball experience cheered on by a packed arena, a professional announcer being filmed by national TV and getting a taste of every young girl's dream of playing in a professional setting.
This moment reflected entertainment and most importantly, the shared social responsibility of all BLNO clubs in Bergen (Fyllingen Lions, Gimle, Froya, Ulriken Eagles), who have united around a common mission: to use basketball as a platform for inclusion, equality, integration, and belonging for girls regardless of background, financial situation or parents involvement.
Sport As A Vehicle For Growth and Development
The girls’ initiative is rooted in the NextGen Neighbor Network’s messaging and long-term strategy that sport can be used as a vehicle for growth and development for youth.
Many young girls dream of playing in front of a full arena, even though they know such an opportunity may be years away. To shorten that distance and build a lasting relationship of trust and role model excellence, BLNO clubs across Bergen have agreed to include more girls into halftime entertainment.
By creating meaningful touchpoints where the youngest players connect with BLNO athletes on and off the court, these opportunities inspire dreams, foster relationships, family gatherings, and build a stronger basketball culture across the city.
Excitement And Belonging
Rival coaches, parents, and general managers sitting side by side, applauding their own players and children of others send a strong signal of collaboration and social responsibility off the court. Admiration flowed both ways as the young girls exchanged autographs on their very own player cards. This serves as a daily reminder of motivation into a healthy habit of sports as opposed to the bad influence of social media.
“It is exciting to see BLNO players come together and help make young dreams become a reality. These memories ignite motivation for our youth to make the right choices every day, one day at a time,” said Bouna Black Ndiaye, Co-Founder of NextGen Neighbor Network and Fyllingen Lions Player.
Belonging means that everyone has a place in the basketball family whether as a spectator, volunteer, friend, family member, coach, referee, player, team manager, or guest.
This initiative also affirms that inclusion and integration means every child gets the chance to take part—regardless of background, financial situation, or parental involvement. A safe, close, and strong bond between children and elite athletes lays the foundation for growth—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
We look forward to seeing the results of children participating at halftime, and hopefully welcome more young girls (and boys) into sports led by emotionally secure role models.
Photography by: Brage Titlestad & Henriette Wilhelmine Skouen
