Misbahu Didi, President of the Para-Soccer Federation of Nigeria (PFN), urged the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development on Friday to include para soccer in the National Youth Games (NYG).
Didi made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the inaugural International Disabled Day Para-soccer Championship, which was held at the Old Parade Ground in Area 10, Abuja.
“My appeal to the ministry is to help us return para soccer to the National Sports Festival (NSF) and include it in the NYG,” he said.
“We have football in the festival, but we also want para soccer to be a part of the NSF and NYG.”
“We also need sponsorships, which have been the key to the success of every sporting organization, because as a federation, it will be difficult for us to organize any events without support or sponsorship.”
“I am also requesting that the ministry continue to support the Para-soccer Sports Federation, particularly with subventions, so that we can continue to engage our athletes for better and better performance in the future,” he said.
He stated that the championship was organized to commemorate and celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“I would like to thank the National Commission for their assistance and encouragement in organizing this event.”
“We plan to hold a number of national competitions next year in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities,” he said.
He asked the government to intervene in other areas to help the sport develop in the country.
“We want the government to intervene in many areas, particularly in athlete education, because athletes need to be educated after they play sports.”
He also urged the commission to assist the athletes in obtaining support from corporate entities, national and international organizations.
“The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has promised us 100 health insurance covers for the athletes,” he revealed.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the first edition of the championship was organized by the Para-soccer Federation of Nigeria (PFN) in collaboration with the commission.
The celebration, dubbed “ABUJA 2021,” aimed to raise awareness of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities.
It also aimed to raise awareness of the benefits of integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of society’s political, social, economic, and cultural life.