The maiden Abia State Open National Para-Powerlifting Championship has officially commenced at the Indoor Hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium, with the state government reaffirming its commitment to inclusive sports development and the empowerment of athletes with disabilities.
The championship has brought together para-powerlifters, coaches, officials of the Nigerian Para-Powerlifting Federation, sports administrators and other stakeholders for a competition aimed at showcasing strength, determination and sporting excellence.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice President of the Nigerian Para-Powerlifting Federation commended the Abia State Government for hosting the championship and providing an enabling environment for para-athletes to compete.
He stressed the importance of creating equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities to discover their talents, compete at the highest level and contribute to Nigeria’s achievements in sports.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Ukwa, welcomed athletes and officials to Abia, noting that the state government was committed to developing sports beyond conventional competitions.
Ukwa said the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, was deliberately creating opportunities for athletes across various sporting disciplines, including para-sports.
He described the championship as more than a sporting competition, saying it would help identify emerging talents and position Abia athletes for greater achievements at national and international levels.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, reiterated the state government’s commitment to building a sports system where every athlete has an opportunity to thrive, irrespective of physical ability.
Ananaba said the championship was in line with Governor Otti’s vision of using sports as a tool for empowerment, inclusion and youth development, while assuring athletes and officials of the ministry’s continued support.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the administration of the athletes’ oath, taken on behalf of the competitors by champion para-powerlifter Folashade Alice Oluwafemiayo.
Oluwafemiayo pledged, on behalf of the athletes, to compete fairly and uphold the principles of sportsmanship throughout the championship.
With the opening formalities concluded, attention shifted to the competition as athletes took to the platform to demonstrate their strength and technical abilities.
The maiden Abia State Open National Para-Powerlifting Championship is expected to provide a competitive platform for para-powerlifters to showcase their talents while strengthening the state’s efforts to discover, nurture and promote sporting talent among persons with disabilities.
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