Blind Sports Fiesta: Champions Emerge In Judo

The duo of Oladele Kekere and Mokwue Justina have emerged Champions in men’s and women’s categories in the judo event at the Lagos 2024 Blind Sports Fiesta tagged “Hope Awaken” ongoing at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The fiesta running in its fourth edition is an enviable platform created for the people with visual impairments to continue to hone their skills and encourage more participants in different sporting activities.

In the Powerlifting event, where the likes of Oladele Sunday, Oko Dennis, Ojemen Cyril as well as Ajibade Sodiq in 67kg,75kg,82kg and 90kg respectively, took the first position in their weight categories.

Kekere endured an intense encounter in the fight against Samuel Ige, but his experience and skills exhibited come to play as he successfully defeated his opponent to grab the title in the category.

Meanwhile, Justina in the female +78kg did not allowed Egbobi Grace to take charge on the mat as she produced different techniques to overpower her and finally earn the victory in a grand style.

Kekere, a winner in the -65kg stated that he is very glad coming top in his weight category which was as results of his consistent training and experience gathered since venturing into the blind judo. He said he has found joy in doing judo and it has also motivated him moving forward with his career in the blind sports.

While expressing his gratitude to the Lagos state government and the sports commission for believing in the people with visual impairments to showcase their talents, Kekere hinted that he will not relent in his effort until he get to the pinnacle of the blind combat sport.

Justina expressed joy for taking part in the Lagos fiesta as she is looking forward to take the sports to other African countries and beyond. She also narrated that with skills and knowledge gathered in the sport, that she’s good, capable and fit as there’s ability in the disability.

Director, Sports Development, LSSC, Nunayon Travih, said the essence of the Lagos blind sports is to cater for the cluster of people with visual impairments to engage them in productive activities and have a meaningful lifestyle participating in sports. He added that the platform will further strengthen the athletes to improve on their performances and prepare for other competitions locally and at the international space.

Director, Technical, LSSC, Uthman Ola Okunnu, highlighted that part of what the state is preaching for is inclusivity in sports, adding that giving the visually impaired athletes the right platform to participate in Lagos fiesta is in the right direction in raising the profile of the blind sports.

Chairman of Lagos State Judo Association, Hammed Sheriff lauded the sports commission for the inspiring initiative to allow the special athletes to participate in blind sports. He pointed out that the association under his watch will build on the legacy and giving the blind judokas more hope and expose them to competitions and training tours to further their growth.

Traditional sport (Ayo Olopon) and Goalball continue, as the state is using the instrumentality of sports and other initiatives in reawaken the hope of the people with disabilities.