How Sunday Dare Transform Para-Sports in Nigeria

How Sunday Dare Transform Para-Sports in Nigeria

Ibraheem Lateef Ayodele

The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has released facts on how the Honourable Minister Sunday Dare has transformed the growth of Para-Sports and Athletes in Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Recall there was an outcry after the Ministry insisted that there will be no para-sports event in the upcoming National Sports Festival in Delta State.

The news saw the affected athletes hitting the streets of Lagos protesting their blackout from the biennial championship.

However, from the facts provided by the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youths Development, Para Sports Athletes under the Honourable Minister Sunday Dare have received maximum attention.

A Para Sports Department in the Ministry was established for the very first time, after the approval of the Head Of Service (HOS). 

It organized the first-ever Para Sports National Festival in April 2022 with over 21 States in attendance.  

The Ministry increased award money to Para Athletes who won medals from a paltry $2.500 to $15,000 for Gold medalists, $10,000 for Silver and $7,000 for Bronze. An increase of over 500 per cent. All winners were paid in dollars. 

The Ministry has ensured a level playing ground such that Para athletes now enjoy the same rights and benefits in terms of camping and training as their able counterparts. 

Under this Minister, Para athlete's Sports Federations have blossomed from a mere 4 to about 12 now.  

The 21st edition of the festival is scheduled to run between November 28 to the 10th of December, 2022.