By Yusuf A. Yusuf Giginyu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared the 3rd edition of the National Para Games open in Abuja, marking the start of a major sporting event for para-athletes across the country.
The opening ceremony took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where the President was represented by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko.
In his address, President Tinubu described the Para Games as an important platform for discovering and nurturing talent. He noted that many athletes from past editions have gone on to represent Nigeria at local, continental, and international competitions.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, emphasizing that sports continue to serve as a powerful tool for unity in the country.
Shehu Dikko highlighted the Commission’s commitment to giving equal opportunities to all sports, especially para-sports. He noted that para-athletes are now receiving unprecedented support and encouragement under the current administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He encouraged participants to see the games as more than just a competition, describing it as a celebration of humanity, unity, and togetherness.
Dikko also urged the athletes to consider themselves winners simply for making it to the event, while encouraging them to continue making Nigeria proud by winning medals, as they have consistently done at the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, and African Games.
Meanwhile, Team Kano has expressed strong confidence in their chances, with athletes and officials optimistic about achieving success at the games.
The games will features 15 para sports across all classifications. They are para athletics, para table tennis, para badminton, para canoeing, para powerlifting and para shooting.
The rest are para karate, wheelchair tennis, para cycling, para swimming, para taekwondo, Amputee football, para soccer, para volleyball and wheelchair basketball.