Sports: A Tool For Uplifting PWDs

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By: Gyang Dakwo

Para sports has been identified as an important tool in making positive impact in the lives of the physically challenged and making them understand that they too can contribute positively to the development of not only the society but their individual lives as well.

This was brought to the fore during the 2nd FCT Inter- Area councils Para-Athletics competition organised by the FCT Para-sports Association at the Area 10 Sports Complex in Abuja in Saturday September 28th.

About sixty para athletes from the FCT, Benue and Kwara states competed for medals in 50 metres,100 metres race, Wheelchair race, Javelin throw and Discuss throw.

Team FCT was made up from the FCT Para Athletics team and FCT School For Children With Special Needs Kuje.

In a chat with Abuja Digest during the games, Secretary FCT Para-Sports Association, Ketura Nkom said the association with the support of the FCT Sports department aims to use sports as a form of both physical and mental therapy which is critical in providing a platform for the disabled athletes to achieve their full potential.

Nkom added that sports leads to acquisition of new skills and help in working with others, saying it has the potential of providing people with disability a healthy competition, valuable life skills, time economy, and positive social interaction.

“Physical and mental limitations that impact people with disabilities, social factors such as stigmatization, discrimination and other cultural beliefs further constitute a psychosocial challenge to them,” she said.

“Sports therefore plays a key role in the lives of people with disabilities such as it does for people without disabilities. It encompasses all forms of physical activities including play, recreation, exercise, organized and non-organized games, and competitions.”

While appreciating the Barrister Wike-led FCT administration for its constant support, she commended the FCT Para Sports family as well as the corporate organisations without which she said the event would not have been possible.

She therefore made a plea for more support from Nigerians in helping to bring a smile on the less privileged in the society and keeping them off the streets through sports.

Prizes were presented to eventual winners of the one day event.