By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
In view of encouraging the physically challenged even at this period of the on-going Word Disable Day celebration, the Paralympic Committee Nigeria that is at the forefront of proving that there is great ability in disability, has disbursed grants to the various sports Federations under its control for them to consolidate on their success as could be seen from their recent performance in global events including the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil where Nigeria para-athletes shone like million stars.
Made up of eight sports, the beneficiaries include, Amputtee Football, Para-athletics, Para-Swimming, Para-Table-tennis, Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair tennis.
Secretary General of the Paralympic Committee Nigeria, Dr. Frank Thorpe disclosed this with New Nigerian Sports in Lagos at the weekend, that the grant is for the Federations to carry out laudable programmes for their athletes towards this last quarter of the year in line with the PCN’s promise of making the Federations viable all year round.
And that Nigeria through her performance in recent time has positioned herself as a strong force to be reckoned with when it comes to Para-sports globally hence no stone must be left unturned in sustaining that tempo since the country cannot afford to take the back bench again.
In his own reaction, President PCN, Monday Emoghavwe has warned the Federations not to misuse the funds but to ensure that they are used judiciously more so when it appears that such may be their last programme for the outgoing year 2016.
Monday challenged all Para-athletes in the country to be more focused in the wake of the on-going economic realities in the country while promising that PCN will continue to provide the enabling environment for them to succeed in their chosen career.
It would recalled team Nigeria Para-athletes to the just concluded Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil came back with 8 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals against all odds to record Nigeria’s best performance since participating at the Paralympic Games.
