Ekiti Hosts Sports Competition For Physically Challenged Persons

By Ayodele Oni

It’s time for persons with disabilities in Ekiti state to showcase their talents as arrangement has been concluded to hold first athletics championship.

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Ekiti State Chapter, said the first ever athletics championship will hold for two days next week at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti.

Addressing Sportswriters in Ado Ekiti, Chairman, Organizing Committee for the Competition, Coach Peter Ojo said it is the first time that Ekiti State Government would approve a Sports competition among Persons with Disabilities in the State.

Ojo commended  Governor Biodun Oyebanji for emerging as the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to endorse, approve and support the proposal to organize a Sports competition among persons with disabilities.

According to him, the State government has also done well by putting in place other welfare packages for members of the Association.

He explained that there will be different athletics events for the four categories that constitute Persons with Disabilities, including the Deaf, the Blind, the Handicap and the Albinos.

The Ekiti State Para-Athletic coach said adequate arrangements have been made for facilities, media coverage, medical and security during the competition.

The LOC Chairman said there is no age barrier for participants in the competition who are expected from the 16 local government areas of the State.

He gave an assurance that cash gifts, certificates, medals and trophies will be awarded to the outstanding athletes, while those with exceptional talents will be pencilled down for National invitation.