The Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan-Enoh has pledged more support for the development of para-sports in Nigeria.
Enoh made the pledge on Monday in Abuja following Nigeria’s encouraging participation at the maiden 2023 African Para Games in Accra.
The minister, in a statement issued by Mohammed Manga, Director of Press in the ministry, congratulated Team Nigeria for making the nation proud at the games, “in spite financial challenges”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that team Nigeria has so far clinched two medals in the women’s wheel chair tennis, singles and doubles categories.
“We are passionate about support for para-sports; we will ensure that the medium already created and dedicated to coordinate, promote and manage the development of para-sports in Nigeria is strengthened for better performance.
“We will make it possible to utilise para-sports as a veritable tool for accelerated social integration and inclusion of persons with disabilities,” he said.
Enoh said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was committed to using sports to empower people living with disabilities and tackle poverty.
He called on relevant stakeholders to join government in developing para-sports in the country with a view to giving the athletes a sense of belonging.
NAN reports that the games, which began on Sept. 3 with more than 20 countries participating, will end on Tuesday. (NAN)