No fewer than 187 athletes from 21 states are set to compete in the inaugural Abia State Open National Para-Powerlifting Championship scheduled to hold from August 19 to 23, 2026.
Ahead of the championship, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Para-Powerlifting Federation, Afolabi Olabisi, led a delegation of board members, including Prince Paul Ngadiuba, James Allison and Coach Jude, on a courtesy visit to the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwadinma Nwabilor Ananaba.
The delegation was received by the Commissioner alongside the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, and the Director of Finance in the Ministry, Mrs. Ijeoma Kanu.
Speaking during the visit, Olabisi disclosed that 187 athletes from 21 states had registered for the competition, describing the turnout as a demonstration of the growing interest in para-powerlifting and the increasing prominence of Abia State in the development of adaptive sports.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti to creating sustainable opportunities for athletes through sports. He highlighted plans for a tax-free economic zone for the sale of sports equipment, as well as the proposed Sports Management Diploma programme at Ogbunaya Polytechnic.
According to him, the programme is designed to equip athletes and other sports stakeholders with professional and educational skills that can sustain them beyond their active competitive careers.
Olabisi commended Governor Otti and the Commissioner for their commitment to sports development, particularly the proposed Sports Management programme. She noted that many athletes face uncertainty as their competitive careers begin to wind down, stressing that educational and professional pathways within the sports sector would help athletes build sustainable careers beyond competition.
The five-day championship, which begins on August 19, is expected to feature exciting contests and inspiring performances from para-powerlifters representing states across the country.
Abians, sports enthusiasts and members of the public are encouraged to come out and support the athletes as Abia hosts a celebration of strength, determination, inclusion and sporting excellence.
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