Enugu State wins 3rd National Para Games

By our reporter

The 3rd edition of the National Para Games came to an end on Friday at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, with Enugu State emerging overall winners.

The closing ceremony witnessed the presence of government dignitaries, including the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shetima, who represented the First lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

There were also the Minister for State, Education Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, amongst others.

Tinubu commended all the participating athletes for their discipline, focus, and resilience and reassured them that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to create opportunities for them to excel.

“I celebrate and commend the athletes for their participation in this competition. For those who have won medals and those who did not win, you are all worthy winners and Champions.

“This Government is committed to the life of every Nigerian because every Nigerian life matters. Mr President is committed to sports like every other sector, which is why no one is left behind in the renewed hope and aspiration of the Government.

“I also want to commend the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and his team for ensuring a successful organisation of these games and for positively reshaping the state of Nigerian sports.”

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assured the country’s Para athletes that they will continue to hold an important place in the lines of activities and programmes of the Commission, while thanking President Bola Tinubu for placing Sports on a priority list of the Federal Government.

Enugu State, which emerged overall champions of the games, will be returning to the Coal city with a total of 40 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals, while Bayelsa finished second with 25 gold, 30 silver, and 34 bronze medals. Edo state emerged third with 25 gold, 14 silver, and 12 bronze medals.

Rivers and Lagos states complete the top five in fourth and fifth positions with 21 gold, 21 silver, and 17 bronze, and 20 gold, 23 silver, and 20 bronze medals, respectively.