Inspection
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, June 4, 2018 (NAN) Officials of the World Para-Powerlifting body (WPPO), led by Sam Munkley and Richardson Dillon, arrived on Monday in Lagos to inspect the facilities for the 2019 World Para-Powerlifting Championship.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country is bidding to host the 2019 World Para-Powerlifting Championships which serves as part of qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Japan.
Munkley, who is the World Para-Powerlifting Competition and Development Manager, expressed optimism on arrival at the Muritala International Airport in Lagos that the country might get it.
He added that the team was looking forward for a hitch-free inspection.
“It is good to be in Nigeria and we are eager to listen to their bid and what they have to offer to stage a world championships and after, submit our report,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Queen Obuh, President, Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), who received the officials, said all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure the country was awarded the hosting right.
“We have put everything in order to impress the inspection team and we have what it takes to host the world.
“The world championships we are bidding for is a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, and we want to brighten the chances of our athletes to qualify in their numbers.
“Hosting the championships will also be a plus for the image of the country because all focus will be on Nigeria during that period,’’ the president said.
Obuh noted that before she came on board as the NPPF president, the major complaints from athletes was the inability to participate in qualifiers for major championships.
She added that the NPPF board was poised to explore all available opportunities to ensure powerlifters enjoyed the national and international recognition they deserved.
NAN reports that a three-day course for coaches and athletes would commence on Tuesday and end on June 7 in Lagos. (NAN)
KOA/UDO/PDE
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(Edited by Udochukwu Ifionu/Peter Ejiofor)