Bayelsa State team at the weekend in Abuja won the maiden edition of National Para Sports Games with 93 medals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bayelsa won 31 gold, silver 30 and 32 bronze to clinch the premier position in the games, which was held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ismail Abubakar, who represented the Minister, Mr Sunday Dare at the closing ceremony, commended all participating states for their cooperation in the seven days event.
“I want to thank the Almighty God for the huge success recorded in the games and also wish to express my profound gratitude to all the state governments that participated in the first edition.
“I want to thank all the team officials and athletes, sponsors for their participation,” he said.
Peter Nelson, the Chairman of Local Organising Committee, said the next edition would be more interesting than the first edition.
“Para athletes had been making the nation proud in international tournaments for the Federal Government to show them what they intended for them in the maiden show.
“The second edition of the National Para Games is expected to take place next year, and thereafter, every two years.
“This was put in place to lessen the burden on states in having to fund athletes for both the National Para Games and National Sports Festival in the same year,” he said.
Bayelsa State’s medal haul of 93 was made up of 31 gold, 30 silver and 32 bronze; Oyo State came up with 60 medals (24 gold, 15 silver and 21 bronze), and third placed Kano had 42 medals (21-13-8).
Edo State recorded 23 medals (17-5-1) and Ondo State finished with 29 medals (15-11-3)
Twenty-one 21 states participated in the maiden edition of Para Sports Games which stated on April 9 and ended last Friday. (NAN)
