NAN-S-3
Support
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Aug. 17, 2017 (NAN) Olulope Taiwo, a 2016 Rio D’Janerio Paralympian, on Thursday said that athletes would need early and adequate support from the authorities to surpass their previous record at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Taiwo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the athletes should be supported early, to prepare well for the Olympics.
“There should be a more serious approach by our government towards the preparations for major Games, we the para-athletes are determined and we have started preparing in our own way.
“But the work load is on the sports authorities, because we need every support to participate in tournaments, training tours, improved welfare to motivate us,” he said.
The 80kg class Paralympian, however, expressed sadness over his inability to claim a medal in the 2016 Games, but vowed to clinch one in the Tokyo Games.
“I was not too happy last year because I could not present a medal to the country to show for my participation in the Games, but I must deliver in 2020.
“I am in regular touch with friends abroad who also participated in last year’s Paralympics, and they are giving good account of how their government is supporting them,’’ he added.
The Paralympian, who won silver medal in the 80kg weight category, added that the national Para-athletes had made it a duty make the nation proud at international competitions.
“We believe in God, hard work and determination, and that has helped us to stand tall in most Games, and above all to always portray good image for our country,” he said.
NAN reports Nigeria recorded a total number of 11 medals in the 2016 Rio D’ Janeiro Paralympics Games which comprised of six gold, three silver and 2 bronze. (NAN)
MIL/ERO/MZA
========
Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Maharazu Ahmed