Ekiti State is set to witness a landmark moment as the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) launches its first-ever athletics event. This announcement was made on Thursday, 24th October, during a press conference at the Ekiti State Office of Disability Affairs.
The two-day athletics competition will be held on October 30th and 31st at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti. Coach Peter Ojo, Chairman of the Competition’s Organizing Committee, expressed pride in this unprecedented event, marking the first time that the Ekiti State Government has approved a sports competition specifically for persons with disabilities.
Coach Ojo praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his exceptional leadership, becoming the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to endorse and support this initiative. He commended the governor’s dedication to the well-being of persons with disabilities, noting the broader welfare programs also in place.
The athletics championship will feature events tailored for four disability categories: the hearing impaired, visually impaired, physically challenged, and persons with albinism.
Mr. Femi Oni, JONAPWD Secretary and Planning Committee Secretary, expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to inclusion. “This event would not have been possible without His Excellency’s support, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication to our community,” Oni said. He also recognized the Office of Special Education and Social Inclusion for their ongoing assistance and conveyed his best wishes for the governor’s continued success.
The Ekiti State Para-Athletics coach assured attendees that all logistics, including facilities, media, medical care, and security, have been meticulously arranged.
Open to all ages, participants from the 16 local government areas of the state are encouraged to join. Outstanding athletes will receive cash prizes, medals, trophies, and certificates, with top performers being considered for national invitations.
Present at the press conference were the Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Owolabi Kayode, Acting JONAPWD Chairman Mr. Sesan Aina, and other association executives, all expressing their gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for championing this inclusive sports initiative.