National Special Olympics holds July 17 at Teslim Balogun

Two hundred and twenty-four special athletes from 14 states of the federation are expected to take part in the National Special Olympics, which will feature badminton, football, basketball, table tennis, and athletics between July 17 and 21 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere in Lagos.

The championship, with the theme “Create Inclusive Communities,’ will help the country choose special athletes that will represent Nigeria at next year’s Special Olympic Games in Abu Dhabi.

At the occasion to herald the Games and also to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics globally, the chairman of the board of the Special Olympics Nigeria, Victor Osibodu said the competition would give the participants a unique opportunity to be part of an inspiring yet impactful experience.

“It is quite amazing for us at Special Olympics Nigeria because this year marks the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics as a global organisation since 1968.

“Our unified soccer team will represent Nigeria and Africa at a Unified Soccer Cup holding July 17th to 21st 2018 in Chicago,” he said.

Osibodu thanked the board members for their unflinching support, and expressed appreciation to the sponsors that include Lagos State Sports Commission, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Vigeo Holdings, Max International, Print Studios, Exxon Mobile, Channels Television, Nikky Taurus, Kings Breakfast, Sightique Ophthalmic Laboratory, and The Temple Management for their unflinching assistance.

President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Babatunde Fatayi Williams, who represented Lagos State government and the Lagos State Sports Commission, said the state had always been supportive of the Special Olympics Nigeria and happy to do so.