The fourth edition of the National Para-Badminton Championship has commenced in Umuahia, Abia State.
The championship which will last till 17th of February,2022; will be preceded by training of umpires and classification of athletes from 11th to 13th February.
Declaring the championship open, the wife of Abịa State governor, who is also the sponsor of the tournament, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazụ outlined the objective of the championship to include, fostering national unity by providing the platform to prepare for upcoming national and international competitions as well as encouraging disabled athletes to excel by stimulating competitiveness and spirit of sportsmanship.
Mrs Ikpeazu thanked the federal government for introducing the national para-sports festival for disabled persons, which is billed to hold in April this year, stressing that the National Para-Badminton Championship will become a warm up for the para-sports festival.
The National Para-Badminton Championship holding at the international conference centre, Umuahia, and supported by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, will feature badminton athletes with disabilities from all over the country.
Reporting by Ejiofo Umegbogu, editing by Daniel Adejo (Radio Nigeria)
