Victorious Paralympics team arrive, minister praises athletes, officials

Minister for Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, have commended Team Nigeria to the Paralympics Games in Tokyo for its outstanding performance.

The Minister, who was at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, yesterday to receive the Paralympics contingent, stated that the medals won by the athletes was an indication that the country still had abundant talents that are yet to be discovered.

Dare declared that the Sports ministry would continue to ensure special athletes get the required support to excel in their various sports, just as he called on private sectors to invest more in sports development in Nigeria.

He said that private sector investment in sports would go a long way in discovering more stars from the grassroots.

“The Nigeria Paralympics team has put smiles on the faces of Nigerians by winning medals at Tokyo Olympics. The Sports ministry is delighted with their performance. We thank the athletes who won medals, and also those who could not pick a medal for their zeal in putting Nigeria at the World map. More programmes will be put in place by the ministry to encourage the special athletes. I will like to also inform Nigerians that there will be an open trial for 10 sports for athletes without disabilities in two weeks time.

“Athletes across the federation who are talented in any of the sport are free to come and show case their skills at the event, which date and venue will be announced soon. This is another drive by the sports ministry to continue developing sports in Nigeria,” he said.

Team Nigeria won eight medals at the Tokyo Paralympics Games.