Ruptly
"The 3rd National Para Games, Nigeria's biggest and most prestigious sporting event of its kind, took place in Abuja from March 26 to April 3, once again demonstrating that sports are open to everyone. Footage filmed on Friday shows para-athletics engaged in a heated sitting volleyball game as fans vigorously cheered for their team. "I'm so much happy that I'm among the participants. Although I'm a wounded soldier, I thought that it was all over. But now I believe it's not yet over," para-volleyballer Sergeant Peter Monday commented. Pep Suzie Obialueko, a para-powerlifter, happily clutched her 2026 medal and praised the competition as a powerful platform for athletes with disabilities to promote social inclusion. "Sports make me happy because before, I'm not happy that as I came out, I saw, you know, I saw people like me," she said. The competition is said to have attracted more than 3,000 Paralympic athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In 15 different parasports, including wheelchair basketball, amputee football, and athletics, these para-athletes demonstrated their high level of skill and nationally recognised talent. "The sport is being used for rehabilitation and is being used for reintegration as well as recovery for these persons with disabilities. And then beyond that, it's also to empower them financially as well and economically as well. And it's also a big opportunity for them to socialise," said Head Coach of Team FCT Para-Volleyball, Christian Agbarike. Enugu State stood out from the podium with an impressive haul of 40 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Bayelsa and Edo states came in third and second place, respectively. Organised by the National Sports Commission, the event has been held annually since 2024. It serves as an important stepping stone for athletes as they pursue international competitions, such as the Paralympics, African Championships, and others. "
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