Abuja, Nigeria – The President of the Nigerian Para Swimming Federation, Dr. Amobi Chikwendu, has praised the conduct of the ongoing 21st Nigeria National Sports Festival in Delta State.
Dr. Chikwendu who was at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba to witness the Paralympic swimming competition, told TimeAfrica that the game is fostering awareness and helping Nigerians become progressively more inclusive.
He said the rapid development of Para sports in Nigeria is commendable.
According to him, “passion grows, dreams fulfilled, friendships strengthened as these athletes competed across different sports is encouraging.
“That just goes to show that the people expecting more Paralympic Games.
“So we are just so pleased, we are over the moon.
“Nigerian Para Swimming Federation is not the same ladder, we are going to a higher ladder and can now start to climb.
“At this stage all the signs are very very positive,” he said.
He praised Delta State for the jost, giving equal recognition to para sports and able-bodied sports.
“It is a fantastic experience for the people of Delta and for the Nigerian Para Swimming Federation,” he said, adding, “Delta NSF 22 is another launch pad for the Paralympic Movement to move to the next level or to move onto a new ladder,” he added.
“The Paralympians are all excited about being here, about being in a wonderful national paralympic game such as this, this is more certain the best ever,” he said.
“The swimming pool is just fantastic. We got the very best accommodation, the very best food, good transport.”
Continuing he added, “the sports complex is very important for the people who use wheelchairs and what’s been put in place at every sport centre is state-of-the-art.
“Once you watch it on TV, you’ll want to come along and see it, it’s amazing and most fantastic National Sport Festival,” he said.
Paralympic swimming contingents from States across the country claimed haul of golds, silvers and bronzes after strong showing from the swimmers at the Sports festival which end on December 10.
Thousands of athletes represented the 36 States of Nigeria which covered multi-disability categories including physical disabilities (wheelchair and amputees), visual impairments.
Dr Chikwendu who is the immediate past president of para-athletics federation of Nigeria and the current president of para swimming federation of Nigeria reflected upon the importance of the support provided by various State governments who helped their teams attend the games.
“With our swimming, athletics and powerlifting teams we can compete at international level favourable,” he said.
“We would like to thank the State Governors for promoting the work of the Nigerian Para Swimming Federation and in assisting our athletes.
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