The city of Abuja is set to play host to 3,000 special athletes from the 36 states of federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the second national Para-Games kick off today.
The athletes will battle for honours in sports such as Para Powerlifting, Wheelchair Tennis, Para Badminton, Wheelchair Basketball, Para Athletics, Para Soccer, Para Canoe, Para Swimming, Para Shooting, Para Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Amputee Football, Para Taekwondo and Para Karate.
The festival is scheduled to end on December 16, 2023.
In the same vein, the Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh has stated that the second edition of the Para-Sports Games is aimed at giving people with disability (PLWD) in sports a sense of belonging and opportunity to exhibit all potential in them.
According to him, the cardinal objective of the Games is the promotion of keen and healthy competition amongst para athletes under an atmosphere of sportsmanship and friendly interaction with a view to enhancing and strengthening national unity, peace and stability in the country as well as in the identification of Para Athletes that could represent the country at international competitions.
It will be recalled that Team Bayelsa State made history as the overall champions in the maiden edition last year with a total of 93 medals, consisting of 31 gold, 30 silver and 32 bronze medals.
Team Oyo placed 2nd with a total of 60 medals – made up of 24 gold, 15 silver and 21 bronze medals while Team Kano finished 3rd, with 42 medals consisting 21 gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze medals.
