FG Pledges Stronger Support for Para-Sports at National Games Opening

FG Pledges Stronger Support for Para-Sports at National Games Opening

By Niyi Busari 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared open the 3rd National Para Games, praising Nigerian para-athletes as embodiments of resilience and national pride, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The opening ceremony, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, was marked by vibrant displays of culture and unity, alongside a ceremonial march past by participating states.

Represented at the event by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, President Tinubu commended the athletes for their perseverance and remarkable achievements on the international stage. He described them as “true sporting heroes” who consistently overcome challenges to bring honour to Nigeria at competitions such as the African Games, Commonwealth Games, and Paralympics.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of para-sports under the Renewed Hope agenda, emphasizing improved welfare and greater opportunities for athletes. He assured participants that the government would continue to invest in the growth of para-sports, enabling them to represent the nation with pride and dignity.

In his remarks, Dikko urged athletes to uphold discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition, noting that the Games align with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s sports economy through regular domestic competitions.

Similarly, the Director-General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to enhancing the quality and standards of para-sports through grassroots initiatives and strategic development programmes.

The ceremony featured colourful cultural performances celebrating Nigeria’s diversity, as well as musical renditions by the Nigerian Army.

A total of 2,597 athletes from 31 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are competing in 15 para-sports. These include para-athletics, para-cycling, para-powerlifting, para-badminton, para-table tennis, wheelchair basketball, amputee football, para-swimming, and para-taekwondo, among others.