The inaugural West Africa Zone A and B Para Games commenced on Friday in Abeokuta, with more than 700 athletes arriving in the Ogun state capital for the regional multi-sport competition, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Local Organising Committee chairman Victor Achakpo confirmed the turnout on Friday, saying preparations had been completed ahead of the opening events.
He said Nigeria would field 190 athletes, adding that arrangements for accommodation, venues, transportation, medical services, security, and feeding had been fully provided.
Achakpo assured participants that Ogun state remained safe for all delegations and that the organisers were committed to delivering a smooth and credible tournament.
He added that all 16 West African countries had submitted entries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Mauritania. In addition, Cameroon and DR Congo from Central Africa were invited to participate.
At the start of the Games, ten countries were present for the opening ceremony. These were Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo, and host Nigeria.
“We already have over 700 athletes in Ogun state,” he said.
“The host country has over 190 persons, and we have taken care of accommodation, venues, transportation, medicals, and security. I want to assure everyone that Nigeria and Ogun are safe. Sports unite any nation, and para sports will unite us.”
The President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode, expressed appreciation to Ogun State for hosting the maiden edition despite logistical challenges.
He praised the National Sports Commission, led by Sheu Dikko, director general, Bukola Olopade, and the African Paralympic Committee for ensuring the event became a reality.
Odebode said the Games would provide an important platform for athletes preparing for upcoming international competitions, noting the quality of performances already seen at the opening ceremony, including an exhibition amputee football match between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Secretary-General of the Africa Paralympic Committee, Ignatius Elletey, also commended the federal government and the Nigeria Paralympic Committee for staging what he described as a historic milestone for para sports development in the region.
“Let us use the power of sports to make persons with disabilities visible,” he said.
“Let us work to ensure they have access to sports and the opportunity to live fulfilling lives.”
The Games will run in Abeokuta from Friday to Wednesday as athletes with disabilities compete for regional honours
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