By Andrew Abah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described Nigerian Para Athletes as the true epitome of the enduring Nigerian fighting spirit which is responsible for Nigeria’s continuous success story at the global stage.
The President gave the remarks on Saturday when he officially declared open the 3rd National Para Games holding at the Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja.
Mr President who was represented by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the Para Athletes for their determination and resilience despite their challenges, calling them Nigeria true sporting heroes.
” You guys hold a special place in my heart for all you have achieved for Nigeria at international competitions. Oftentimes, you guys go beyond limitations and obvious challenges to bring back laurels to this country either at the African Games, Commonwealth Games or the Olympics Games”.
” I want to assure all of you that this administration under the Renewed Hope mandate will continue to prioritise the welfare and growth of Para sports like never before, so that you all will be proud to continue to do what you are doing and represent your fatherland with dignity and Pride”.
” I welcome you all to this 3rd National Para Games in Abuja and be rest assured that the National Sports Commission has put every modalities in place to make this competition a very successful and memorable one for you all”, he concluded.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade also charged the Para Athletes to stay disciplined and maintain the spirit of sportsmanship.
Mallam Dikko said this competition was put together in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative for the Nigerian sports economy, ( the RHINSE agenda ), so that Nigeria determined athletes are not devoid of regular competitions domestically.
NSC DG, Hon Bukola Olopade maintained and assured that the Commission through its department of Grassroots and Para sports will continue to initiate ideas that will improve the standard and quality of Para sports in the country.
The opening ceremony witnessed a colourful march past by the participating states in their unique kits while the crowd were also treated to some exciting cultural displays that symbolises the country’s true virtue of unity in diversity. This was spiced up by some renditions from the Nigerian army.
A total of 2597 Para athletes are taking part in the competition from 31 states including the FCT in 15 Para sports including ; Para Athletics, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Taekwondo, Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton and Para Table Tennis.
Others are Amputee football, Para Volleyball, Para Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, wheelchair Tennis, Para Shooting, Para Canoeing and Para soccer.
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