NAN-S-2
Para-badminton
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, Dec.7, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 50 athletes from 10 states are participating in the ongoing third edition of the National Para-badminton tagged “Nkechi Ikpeazu” Championship holding in Umuahia, Abia.
Samuel Ekeoma, President of the federation told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that the championship which commenced on Dec. 5 would end on Dec.8.
According to Ekeoma, the states involves are; Kaduna, Edo, Imo, Kwara, Plateau, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and the host, Abia.
The president said that the championship was organised to engage its athletes and also to celebrate the World Disability Day.
“Para-badminton is relatively new in Nigeria and the purpose of this competition is to create more awareness about the sport in the country.
“We are also making use of the competition to engage our athletes in order to enhance their skills.
“We will continue to do everything possible to get the needed attention that will aid the growth of the sport in the country,’’ he said.
He noted that there was the need to start grooming athletes that would represent the country in the 2020 Paralympics Games.
“Para-badminton will be part of the 2020 Games for the first time and this is the right time to prepare our athletes,’’ Ekeoma said. (NAN)
KOA/ENN/MO
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Morayo Omolade