Enugu dethrones Bayelsa as 3rd National Para Games end in Abuja

Team Enugu emerged overall champions of the 3rd edition of the National Para Games which came to a successful close yesterday inside the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja, effectively ending the dominance of Team Bayelsa. It will be recalled that Bayelsa State had won the inaugural and second editions of the multi-sport […]

Team Enugu emerged overall champions of the 3rd edition of the National Para Games which came to a successful close yesterday inside the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja, effectively ending the dominance of Team Bayelsa.

It will be recalled that Bayelsa State had won the inaugural and second editions of the multi-sport events for physically challenged athletes in Nigeria.

The closing ceremony witnessed the presence of top government dignitaries including the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shetima, who represented the First lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Also present at the event were; the Minister for state Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, amongst others.

The First Lady commended all the participating athletes for their discipline, focus and resilience and reassured them that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to create opportunities for them to excel.

“I celebrate and commend the athletes for their participation at this competition. For those who have won medals and those who did not win, you all are worthy winners and champions.

“This government is committed to the life of every Nigerian because every Nigerian life matters. Mr President is committed to sports like every other sector which is why no one is left behind in the renewed hope of the government”.

“I also want to commend the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and his team for ensuring a successful organisation of this games and for positively reshaping the state of Nigerian sports”, she concluded.

Chairman of the NSC, Dikko, assured the country’s Para athletes that they will continue to hold an important place in the lines of activities and programs of the Commission, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for placing Sports on a priority list of the Federal Government.

Enugu State who emerged overall champions of the games will be returning to the Coal city with a total of 40 gold , 8 silver and 7 bronze medals, while Bayelsa finished second with 25 gold, 30 silver and 34 bronze medals. Edo state emerged third with 25 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Rivers and Lagos state complete the top five positions with 21 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze and 20 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze medals respectively.

Meanwhile, over 3,000 athletes competed in Amputee Football, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Canoe, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, Para Soccer, Para Swimming, Para Taekwondo, Para Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis at the well-attended Games.