The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has restated the commission’s resolve to deepen the growth and development of para sports in Nigeria as preparations intensify for the 3rd National Para Games slated for later this month.
The DG made the declaration in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Kola Daniel.
He noted that the forthcoming National Para Games would provide a vital platform to promote inclusivity within Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
According to him, the competition will also serve as an avenue to discover and groom emerging talents who will eventually represent Nigeria in global sporting contests.
The NSC boss described Nigerian para athletes as some of the nation’s most dependable ambassadors at international sporting events.
He pointed out that athletes in the para category have consistently excelled at major competitions such as the Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games, earning medals and enhancing Nigeria’s standing in sports including athletics, powerlifting, table tennis and wheelchair basketball.
“Our love and commitment to para sports cannot be undermined. Para athletes have brought immense pride to this country, winning medals at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games and consistently placing Nigeria on the global podium,” he said.
Olopade further assured that the commission would continue to prioritise para sports by providing adequate funding, attention and development programmes alongside other sporting disciplines.
Reflecting on his previous role as President of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria, he said the experience offered him deeper insight into the dedication and determination that define para athletes.
“Having served in wheelchair basketball administration, I understand firsthand the structure, dedication and resilience that define our para athletes.
“ They are disciplined, determined and patriotic. When given the right support system, they always deliver results for Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasised that grassroots competitions like the National Para Games remain crucial to identifying and nurturing future champions who will represent the country internationally.
“Events like this are critical to discovering the next generation of champions. The medals we celebrate at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games do not happen by chance.
“ They begin from structured grassroots competitions like the National Para Games,” he added.
Olopade also reiterated that inclusiveness remains central to the commission’s guiding principles, stressing that no athlete should be sidelined because of disability.
“Equal focus is not just a slogan for us; it is a policy direction. Every Nigerian athlete deserves opportunity, dignity and the platform to excel.
“ Our para athletes have proven time and again that ability is not defined by physical limitation but by strength of character and preparation,” he said.
He added that the 3rd National Para Games forms part of the commission’s broader strategy to widen sports participation nationwide, strengthen grassroots engagement and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global sports stage.
The competition is scheduled to hold from March 26 to April 3 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
