Abuja National Stadium //Photo: Nairaland
The Federal Government is committed to the well-being and provision of the required equipment that would aid the country’s special athletes to success in international event, the Senior Special Assistant to President on Disability Matters, Dr. Samuel Ankeli has revealed.
Dr. Samuel Ankeli, a visually impaired judo black belt holder, told The Guardian at the inauguration of the Para shooters/officials at the Abuja National Stadium, that government was aware most of the special athletes have been using their personal equipment in major international events.
Read Also:
He added, however, that plans were at advanced stage to ensure standard equipment was provided for the athletes to train and participate effectively with their foreign counterparts.
“It is on records that we (the disabled athletes) have been doing better than the able bodied athletes in major international events. At Brazil 2016 Olympic Games, for instance, we did better than the able bodied athletes as we won eight medals.
“In Nigeria, we are champions and unbeatable,” Dr. Samuel Ankeli, while pointing out that the disabled athletes have compensatory ability from God.
“Begging is not our option. Most of the equipment the disabled athletes use are personal effects,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Olympian, Monday Emonghawve, who is the president of Para-Olympic Committee of Nigeria, said the merging of Shooters and the disabled counterparts is a welcome development.
Source: G Sport
