Girls' Initiative – Diversity and Inclusion at Its Very Best
Fyllingsdalshallen, 21 September 2025 – The spirit of social responsibility, inclusion, role model excellence, and youth connection made a slam dunk during halftime of the BLNO season opener between the Fyllingen Lions and the Centrum Tigers.
Generously offered by the Fyllingen Lions and their 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 Lioness (2016), onto the court. For a memorable time, they engaged with their super role models and each other for a fun-filled basketball experience cheered on by a packed arena.
This moment reflected entertainment and most importantly, the shared social responsibility of all BLNO clubs in Bergen (Fyllingen Lions, Gimle, Froya, Ulrkien Eagles), who have united around a common mission: to use basketball as a platform for inclusion, equality, and joyful community engagement.
Sport As A Vehicle For Change
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 change, 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, BLNO clubs across Bergen have signed a strategic alliance with one clear goal: to bring more girls into basketball by 2028.
Achieving this vision requires 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
The halftime show featuring an exciting pyro element sponsored by Meteva Sport og Helse carried a deeper symbolism: belonging. Rival coaches, parents, and general managers sat side by side, applauding their own players and children of others. After the game, admiration flowed both ways as the young girls exchanged autographs with BLNO players creating a daily reminder of motivation.
“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 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 everyone at the next BLNO game where this young girls’ initiative at halftime, post-game session, and role model engagement will be mirrored throughout the opening season.
Photography by: Brage Titlestad & Henriette Wilhelmine Skouen