In a bid to bolster sports development in Nigeria and empower athletes with disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), presented a collection of sporting kits to the FCT Para-soccer team at his office on the 30th of April, 2024.
Addressing the team members, Dr. Lalu urged them to continue to excel and make both the Commission and the disability community proud as they represent the Federal Capital Territory and the nation in upcoming tournaments. He commended the Paralympians for their remarkable performance at the last international tournament, where they clinched silver and bronze medals in various sporting events, prompting the Commission to offer assistance to the team.
Dr. Lalu highlighted the Commission’s commitment to adapting its operations to better serve the needs of persons with disabilities, describing the new policy as people-oriented and tailored to meet their specific requirements.
Furthermore, the Executive Secretary pledged to engage with the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesome Wike, and the Sports Council to garner support for the Para-soccer teams and turn their aspirations into reality. Additionally, he revealed plans to petition FIFA to officially recognize Para-soccer as a legitimate sport on the global sporting agenda.
Expressing gratitude for the generous gesture, Jimba Umar, the team’s manager, lauded Dr. Lalu for fulfilling the promise to procure jerseys for the team. He recounted the challenges the team had faced competing in borrowed jerseys from their counterparts, underscoring the significance of the donation in boosting their confidence and morale.
Umar reiterated the team’s unwavering commitment to success in sporting events and pledged to utilize the newly acquired sporting kits to their fullest potential.
The donation of sporting kits by the NCPWD Executive Secretary signifies a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and empowerment within the sporting arena for athletes with disabilities. As the Para-soccer team gears up for future competitions, they do so with renewed vigor and confidence, fueled by the unwavering support of the Commission.
