Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has revealed that arrangement has been concluded for the hosting of the maiden National Para-Sports Festival in Abuja from April 9 to April 15.
Dare made this known on Monday in Abuja. He explained that the festival is aimed at giving People Living With Disability (PLWD) in sports a sense of belonging and the opportunity to exhibit their potentials.
The minister who was represented by Peter Nelson, Director of National Sports Festival and Para-Sports Department of the Ministry, said the measure was part of the administration’s policy of inclusion.
According to him, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had approved the establishment of the National Sports Festival and Para-Sports Department.
“This will facilitate the development of Para-Sports in Nigeria, give room for more Para-Sports to thrive.
“It will also give opportunity for young athletes to exhibit their talents as well as explore other Para-Sports that have not had the opportunity to feature in major sporting events for possible medal haul during tournaments,” he said.
Dare noted that para-sports have produced the highest number of medals in the Paralympic Games for the country since Nigeria started participating in the games.
“This has positively portrayed Nigeria’s image in the global stage and also made it a household name when it comes to sports like Para-Powerlifting,” he added.
NAN reports that 15 para-sports are expected to feature at the maiden edition of the festival, including: Para-Powerlifting, Para-Athletics, Para-Table Tennis, Deaf Sports, Para-Soccer.
Others are Wheel Chair Tennis, Para-Badminton, Para-Canoe, Sitting Volleyball, Wheel Chair B/Ball, Amputee Football, Para-Swimming, Para-Taekwondo, and Para-Shooting.