NAN-S-2
Para-Powerlifing
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, Aug. 10, 2017 (NAN) No fewer than 60 participants from 14 Africa countries began a three-day seminar/workshop organised by International Paralympics Committee (IPC)/Agitos Foundation for para-powerlifting coaches, athletes, technical officials and classifiers in Lagos.
Declaring open the seminar, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, thanked the initiators for the stride in promoting the para-sport in Nigeria and the continent at large.
Dalung, represented by Tayo Oreweme, Director of Planning in the ministry, said the seminar which is the first of its kind in Africa would impact positively on the development of para-powerlifting.
He urged Agitos Foundation to extend the programme to other para-sports and ensure continuity of the programme.
“I appreciate the sponsor of this programme and I hope it will not be the last but subsequently more grassroots programmes and competition will be brought to Nigeria.
“For the participants, I charge you to put in your best, so that you can impart your knowledge from this programme to colleagues in your various countries,’’ he said.
The Director of Agitos Foundation, Cabo Jose, said the body which was initiated to support para-sports globally was in Africa to extend its support.
“What we do basically as a foundation is to offer opportunity to athletes and coaches at the grassroots.
“We are here in Nigeria to work closely with Africa region and give the same opportunity we have given to people in other continents to Africans.
“We will try to put together a pathway for coaches, athletes and classifiers to grow in their respective fields,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Agitos Foundation has become the leading global organisation for developing Para-sports as a tool for changing lives and contributing to an inclusive society for all.
Also, Jon Amos, Chairman of the World Para-powerlifting body, said the programme was vital for the development of para-powerlifting in Africa and would enable participants to share ideas on the way forward.
“We need to share knowledge to everyone and make other people learn as far as para-sports are concerned.
“Africa can rule the world in para-sports and this is the time to begin,’’ he said.
The seminar which began on Thursday at Sheraton Lagos Hotel will end on Aug. 13. (NAN)
KOA/ERO/PDE
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(Editing by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)