Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has affirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing equal support to para-athletes who represented Nigeria at the recently concluded Paralympics in Paris, just as they did for the country’s Olympic athletes.
The 2024 Paralympics wrapped up on Sunday, with Nigeria securing a total of seven medals: two gold, three silver, and two bronze.
Although the medal count marked a decline from Nigeria’s 10-medal haul at the Tokyo 2020 Games, Enoh expressed satisfaction with the performance, especially given the earlier challenges faced by Nigeria’s contingent at the Paris Olympics.
When asked about plans for increased support for the athletes, Enoh was clear in his response, especially after witnessing Onyinyechi Mark’s gold medal victory in para-powerlifting last Friday.
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“As a ministry, that is what we are always doing; it’s from the fact they have always given us more medals. I think they are a group of people who should be supported and assisted more, which is why everything this ministry has done is to make sure they are treated equally with their counterparts that were at the Olympics,” Enoh told journalists in Paris.
In another statement, Enoh stressed the importance of investment in athletes.
“As we close this chapter of the Paralympic Games, we are reminded of the importance of investing in our athletes. Their success motivates us to do more in providing the necessary resources and support for their continued growth and achievements.”
Meanwhile, the Paralympic Committee Nigeria announced cash rewards for the athletes before the end of the Games.
Gold medallists Mark and Folashade Oluwafemiayo will pocket $1500 each, silver medallists Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Esther Nworgu will get $1000 each, while bronze medallists Isau Ogunkunle and Eniola Bolaji pocketed $500 each.
PCN president, Sunday Odebode, said each member of the 24-man contingent who did not win a medal along with their officials would get $100 each, while the technical crew received $1000.
Although Nigeria didn’t win any medals at the Olympics, the promised cash for the gold medal was $5000, $3000 for silver, and $2000 for bronze.
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