THE
BLACK
EXCELLENCE
gala
FASHION
MEETS
Produced by I AM Foundation director, each moment will be showcased during the exclusive evening around the world celebrating the intersection of haute couture and athletic excellence.
SPORT


for anight you'llremember
Fashion and sport, side by side. Not to celebrate themselves but to elevate the young. One evening where runway lights and court spotlights shine on Africa's rising stars.
Three pillars.
One purpose.
Fashion

Beyond the fabric.
Fashion is our language. It speaks of identity, pride, and aspiration. That evening, Africa's finest designers will showcase more than collections, they'll showcase possibility. Every stitch tells a story. Every runway walk funds a dream. When haute couture meets purpose, style becomes a catalyst for change.
Excellence

Where greatness recognizes greatness.
Excellence isn't born, it's built. On courts. In studios. Through dedication that refuses to quit. That evening, we'll celebrate Africa's rising athletic stars, the ones training before dawn, perfecting their craft after dusk. Athletes who inspire not through words, but through relentless pursuit of greatness. Their spotlight that evening will fund tomorrow's champions.
Philanthropy

The reason we gather.
This isn't charity, it's investment in Africa's future. Every contribution and every exchange tonight serve one mission: giving young talents access to camps, tournaments, training, and pathways into sports careers from team management to content creation and beyond. That evening's glamour will fund tomorrow's glory.
A night to
remember
From the first cocktail to the last dance, every moment has been crafted to celebrate excellence.
Welcome
Red carpet, arrival & welcome cocktails
TerraceOpening Ceremony
Welcome address by MCs & pre-dinner service
TerraceCombine 2025 Video
Projection showcasing the upcoming Combine 2025
TerraceKahoot Interactive Game
Distribution of response sheets, explanation & Kahoot presentation
TerraceTransition to Main Hall
Guests move from terrace to chalet
Terrace → ChaletFoundation Address
Founder Ian Mahinmi's welcome speech, Summer Combine recap video, MVP & coaches presentations, starter & orchestra performance
ChaletJr NBA League & Young Pros
MC presentation, Young Pros video, fire chat & orchestra performance
ChaletI AM HER Presentation
GOA video, I AM HER presentation, AFG fire chat & orchestra performance
ChaletFashion Show
Designer runway presentation
ChaletQuai 54 Future
Quai 54 presentation, fire chat & orchestra performance
ChaletSports Infrastructure Project
Infrastructure presentation, QSI complex & Ste Marceline school project fire chat, orchestra performance
ChaletAfrodîner & 2026 Gala Preview
Afrodîner video, next year's gala announcement, fire chat & orchestra performance
ChaletAuction
Special item auctions
ChaletFundraising Announcement
Total amount reveal, Mr. Mahinmi's closing speech, dinner end, basketball signing & fashion space visit
ChaletAfter Party
DJ set & relaxed atmosphere
ChaletSchedule subject to minor adjustments

The hands
behind the
feast
Every great evening has a silent architect. Someone who transforms ingredients into emotions, recipes into memories.
Michelin-starred. First Black woman in France to earn the distinction. Born in Cotonou, she brings Benin's sacred flavors to haute cuisine. Each plate, a love letter to home.