3145 athletes, officials hit Abuja for National Para Sports festival

Over 3145 athletes and officials have stormed Abuja for the maiden edition of the National Parasports taking place at the MKO Abiola national stadium. While declaring the Games open, the minister of sports, Sunday Dare said the festival is aimed at People Living With Disability (PLWD) in sports a sense of belonging and the opportunity […]

Over 3145 athletes and officials have stormed Abuja for the maiden edition of the National Parasports taking place at the MKO Abiola national stadium.

While declaring the Games open, the minister of sports, Sunday Dare said the festival is aimed at People Living With Disability (PLWD) in sports a sense of belonging and the opportunity to exhibit their potential.

“We want to give these athletes a sense of belonging. At the end of the Games, we will see athletes who will represent Nigeria on the international stage, especially at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,” he said.

The athletes from 32 participating states will vie for honours in different sports such as Para-Powerlifting, Para-Athletics, Para-Table Tennis, Deaf Sports, Para-Soccer.

Others are Wheelchair Tennis, Para-Badminton, Para-Canoe, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair B/Ball, Amputee Football, Para-Swimming, Para-Taekwondo, and Para-Shooting.

It will be noted that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had approved the establishment of the National Sports Festival and Para-Sports Department. The Games kicked off yesterday and it will be concluded on April 15.