David Obinna Anyaele, the chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of the Disabled Persons, has congratulated Onyinyechi Mark for securing Nigeria’s third medal, a gold in the women’s 61kg para-powerlifting category at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris.
INN reports that the 23-year-old Abia born powerlifter not only broke the Paralympic record in the women’s 61kg, smashing Lucy Ejike’s record and setting a new one of 145kg, she also won first gold medal for Nigeria at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris.
In a statement released on Friday, the Chairman of the commission said, “Onyih has unleashed Paris with the power Abians, and indeed Nigerians are known for in Para Weightlifting. What persons without disabilities could not bring to Nigeria, paralympians have done it.
“With this victory, nwa Mark has shown what a true demonstration of patriotism look like. Onyinyechi is phenomenal and inspirational, a true role model for young girls with disabilities.
“I called for the removal of barriers against citizens with disabilities; supporting the campaign against discrimination and all forms of abuses against people with disabilities in Nigeria. This sound of rejoicing will last for a very long time in Abia State, Nigeria and international.” Anyaele said