National Commission For Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) on Saturday in Abuja organized a novelty games for parasoccer and volleyball to kick off the celebration of 2023 International Day for Persons With Disabilities.
Haruna Mohammed, The Vice President, Nigeria National Association Of The Deaf (NNAD) and the Technical Assistant To The Executive Secretary, National Commission For Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) told The Qualitative Magazine TQM that the event is designed to celebrate the International Day For Persons With Disabilities which was set aside by United Nations and it is celebrated every 3rd December.
Speaking further, he said that the sport unites people and that’s why the NCPWD thought it wise to kick start this year’s celebration with sports.
He informed that apart from sports, there would be panel discussion, symposium and roadwalk among others to celebrate this year’s international day for persons with disabilities.
Usman Nauche, retired permanent Secretary in Zamfara State, Immediate President Deaf Sports Federation, and Board Member, Joint National Association Of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) while addressing the press appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to persons with disabilities through NCPWD. He expressed joy for the ratification of Africa Charter On the Rights of Persons With Disabilities which will provide more opportunities for the decent living for persons with disabilities.
Speaking further, he appreciated all the partners that supported NCPWD in this Year’s celebration and urged them to support more because the potentials of persons with disabilities should be harnessed. “There are many unearthed potentials among persons with disabilities” he added.
In an intrigue, exciting and action packed games, in Parasoccer; Team A was better than Team B with 3 goals to 1. Abdul Rahman Yunusa was the man of the day with two 2 goals to his shoes while Said Haruna scored the other goal for Team A, and Mohammed Shaibu scored the lone goal for Team B.
The coach of Team A, Philip James told TQM that he is excited that his Team won and appreciated both team for an exciting game.
While appreciating the commission for organizing the novelty march, he hinted that the politics being played in the Parasoccer Federation is affecting the growth of the game thereby affecting the prayers and the coaches because there is little or no funding coming into the game.
He cited example of when an individual after watching the game what to provide protective guard to keep safe while playing the game. The gesture didn’t see the light of the day because of what is going on.
He called on the government to support the game more because it has transformed the lives of many street beggars with disabilities.
He also said that more should be done by government at all levels to support the education of persons with disabilities because with education, life is a lot easier for persons with disabilities.
The captains of Both, Shehu Bello (Team A) and Joseph Wulu (Team B) appreciated NCPWD for organizing the novelty march, they said that it gives them joy playing the game because they are now seeing themselves as stars when people gather to watch them play. They appealed for more tournaments in Parasoccer so that they can find their families through the game.
They also appealed for invention of playing kits that will protect them better because they are sustaining a lot of injuries while playing the game.
The Teams from Parasoccer and Volleyball played by the Deaf received cash prizes and gifts from partners.
ACTIONS AT THE GAMES
