By Hananeel Jackson
Bayelsa State, Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi says the maiden edition of the National Para-Sports Festival in Abuja will produce another opportunity for the para team to write the state name in gold.
The maiden edition of the National Para-Sports Festival is expected to commence on the 9th to 15th April, 2022 at the Nations capital, Abuja.
Sir Wodi in an interview with newsmen in yenagoa, said the state was prepared for the showpiece having finished third last year in the 20th National Sports Festival in Benin City, Edo State.
He explained that team Bayelsa would participate in thirteen sports out of the fifteen approved by the organizers of the Para-Sports Festival.
Sir wodi stated that Bayelsa state would give some of states who are known for para-sports a good fight.
He said with the level of preparation and commitment shown by the athletes since the announcement of the fiesta by the sports minister,making a podium finish would be the state priority.
Sir Wodi is upbeat that team Bayelsa would make creditable performance in the games, pointing out that idea of the fiesta was for Nigeria to compete favourable with their peer at the International level.
Sir wodi commended the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare for introducing the Para-Sports Festival, despite not being captured in the 2022 budget, saying that the initiative would give the special athletes a sense of belonging in society.
The former Bayelsa United chairman also noted that Para-sports have produced the highest number of medals in the Paralympic Games for the country since Nigeria started participating in the games, adding that Para-sports has positively portrayed Nigeria’s image in the global stage.
Sir Wodi thanked governor Douye Diri and his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for the continuous support and the special attention accorded to the sports sector since he assumed office as governor.
Fifteen Para-sports are expected to feature at the maiden edition of the festival, including: Para-Powerlifting, Para-Athletics, Para-Table Tennis, Deaf Sports, Para-Soccer.
Others are Wheelchair Tennis, Para-Badminton, Para-Canoe, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, Amputee Football, Para-Swimming, Para-Taekwondo, and Para-Shooting.
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