08/20/2026
The 100 Black Men of the Bay Area proudly announces that 100 Black Wings’ Team Oakland captured two gold medals at the 2026 International Children’s Games (ICG) in Hualien, Taiwan.
In the Girls Shot Put event, Oakland’s Najae Ellison collected the very first gold medal of the Games, followed by a first place win for the Boys 4x100-Meter Relay foursome of DeWayne “Wayne” Littlepage, Marvin Thomas, Jasani Highsmith and Royal Moore.
The victories capped a strong showing by Team Oakland athletes, who competed in preliminary, semifinal and final rounds across multiple track and field events during the Games. In the Boys Long Jump, Abisewolu Redmond and Royal Moore advanced to the final. In the Girls 80-Meter Hurdles, Mahari Moore won her preliminary heat and advanced to the semifinal, while also advancing in the Girls 100-Meter race.
In the Boys 100-Meter, DeWayne “Wayne” Littlepage advanced to the semifinal. In the Boys Long Jump Final, Royal Moore finished fourth overall, narrowly missing the medal stand, with Abisewolu Redmond finishing 12th overall. In the Girls 80-Meter Hurdles Final, Mahari Moore also finished fourth overall, just outside the medal positions.
“Winning gold on an international stage is an incredible accomplishment, but what makes us most proud is the way these young people represented Oakland,” said Danny L. Williams, Chairman of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc. “Their discipline, teamwork, perseverance and pride were so inspiring, and their success shows what happens when young people are given opportunity, preparation and a community that believes in them.”
“Our athletes came prepared to compete, and left with so much more than medals,” said Juanita Metters-Upshur, Head of Delegation. “All of our athletes have shown tremendous heart and determination. Our shot put and relay victories were incredible moments for Team Oakland, and every athlete who competed should be proud of what they accomplished.”
Team Oakland is part of the 100 Black Wings initiative of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, which uses athletic achievement as a pathway to develop discipline, leadership, confidence, cultural exposure and global citizenship among young people. The delegation has also competed successfully at the International Children’s Games in prior years.
The delegation’s coaching leadership includes Head Coach Dr. Tommie Smith, the 1968 Olympic gold medalist in the 200-meter sprint; Senior Coach Margaret Dixon; Girls Coach Evangela Dixon; Strength and Conditioning Coach Nola Turnage; and Boys Coach Michael Flood, Jr.
Team Oakland’s participation in this year’s Games was sponsored by the Tommie Smith Youth Initiative, PUMA, Oakland PAL and the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area.
The ICG uses athletic achievement as a pathway to develop discipline, leadership, confidence, cultural exposure and global citizenship among young people.
