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 commencement of a major sporting event for para-athletes across Nigeria.
The opening ceremony was held 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 previous 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 remain a powerful tool for national unity.
Speaking at the event, Shehu Dikko highlighted the Commission’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all sports, particularly para-sports. He noted that para-athletes are now receiving unprecedented support and encouragement under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He urged participants to view the games as more than just a competition, describing them as a celebration of humanity, unity, and togetherness.
Dikko further encouraged the athletes to see themselves as winners for qualifying for the event, while also motivating them to continue making Nigeria proud by winning medals, as they have consistently done at the Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and African Games.
Meanwhile, Team Kano has expressed strong confidence in its chances, with both athletes and officials optimistic about achieving success at the games.
The games will feature 15 para-sports across various classifications, including para-athletics, para table tennis, para badminton, para canoeing, para powerlifting, and para shooting.
Other events include para karate, wheelchair tennis, para cycling, para swimming, para taekwondo, amputee football, para soccer, para volleyball, and wheelchair basketball.
