Lagos Against Polio Parasoccer Match Holds At Rowe Park

The Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba was agog on Saturday when the Polio Rescue Association in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission held a one day parasoccer match to sensitise Nigerians on the benefits of polio vaccination.

It was a colourful event as the physically challenged people displayed their God-given talent in the match between Team Polio Rescue Association and Team Lagos Sports Commission. The match was watched by dignitaries who included Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sports, Mr Deji Tinubu, members of Rotary Club and others.

CEO of Polio Rescue Association, Olugbenga Kuye described the event as a way of giving the polio victims a sense of belonging in the society. According to him, no single organisation can claim full ownership of the fight against Polio, adding that the fight could be effectively fought if there is collaboration between organisations, agencies and individuals to fight the war.

“We need the media to amplify the messages on the need for vaccination against Polio. I believe if the people and the government of Lagos State could fight the Ebola scourge and win the war, we at Polio Rescue Association have the confidence that war against Polio could be won as well. The damage Polio has done is too much to bear, hence the need for everybody to join hands to fight this war, ” he said.

Kuye was full of praises to Governor Akinwumi Ambode for the attention he gave the association when they brought to his notice the plan to stage the Lagos against Polio Parasoccer Match.

” I thank Governor Ambode for the support, because he gave us the attention we needed to successfully organised this event, we are very much grateful, ” he said. Kuye further disclosed that the awareness match will be bigger next year as there is future plan of making it a national event.

In his own remarks, Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Tinubu commended the Polio Rescue Association for the initiative, adding that the government believes in giving the less privileged sense of belonging.

“We have always involved in this kind of programme because it is part of our support for the people living with disabilities. This is a way of creating opportunity for the Polio victims in our society. Our plans for the organisation of Parasoccer League is very much on course. This is part of our larger plan to keep these athletes busy and give them something to be proud of, ” Tinubu said.

At the end of the match, Team Polio Rescue beat Team LSSC 2-1, while prizes and trophies were given to the players who rejoice at having to come around to display their God-given talent in a competitive environment.