To give a sense of belonging to the physically challenged, the Lagos State Government has organised the maiden Parasports Para-Powerlifting Tournament tagged Ability in Disability.
The tournament, put together by the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, saw no fewer than 50 physically challenged powerlifters, male and female, competing for honours at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
General Manager of Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, Mr. Awelenge Babatunde told journalists at the venue of the event that the government organised the tournament to give the disabled athletes a sense of belonging that they too are part of recognised stakeholders of the society, while their usefulness is recognised by the government. Awelenge, who is also the chairman of Lagos State Parasports Association said that para powerlifting is a sport that has been hauling medals for the country in international events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and the All Africa Games.
“We all saw what our para athletes did at the London 2012 Olympic Games where they did what the abled athletes could not do. I was so glad that our athletes won two gold medals for Lagos at the last Eko 2012 National Sports Festival. If we can properly harness the talent of these athletes, the state will be better for it.
“This maiden edition of Parasports Para Powerlifting Tournament is one of the several events the state government designed to keep our physically challenged athletes busy. I want to assure that by next edition, we will expand the scope of the competition to accommodate para athletics and para table tennis,” the General Manager said.
General Manager, Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, Mr Awelenge Babatunde (m) during the one day Parasports Para-Powerlifting Tournament at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere
On the rewards for those who excel in the one day competition, Awelenge said: “We have packaged the sum of N30,000 for the winners in both categories, second positions will pocket N20,000, while third positions will go home with the sum of N20,000.”
He disclosed that by August, he planned to sponsor a special competition for the athletes as his own way of putting smiles on the faces of the physically challenged athletes in Lagos State.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, Mr. Ade Ademiloye described the turnout of the athletes as encouraging, adding that the next edition promises to be exciting and glamorous