Over 700 Athletes, Officials Storm Ogun For 1st West Africa Para Games

ABEOKUTA- Athletes across the African continent thronged the ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun state capital for the 1st West Africa Zone A & B Para Games.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, Mr. Victor Achakpo for the 1st West Africa Para Games, has disclosed this in Abeokuta on Friday.

Achakpo noted that preparations were already solid for the game to commence, saying that the host country, Nigeria, would be fielding 190 athletes.

He added that the organisers have taken care of accommodation, venues, transportation, medicals, security, and feeding of all the athletes.

The LOC chairman assured the athletes of their safety throughout the games, saying that Nigeria and Ogun state is safe.

He also stated that 16 West African counties with two invited countries would be participating in the games, assuring participants of free and fair games.

“The whole West african countries are participating with two invited countries, DR Congo and Cameroon.

” We are good to go , we already have over 700 athletes in Ogun state . The host country has over 190 persons, and we have taken care of accommodation, venues, transportation, medicals, and security .

“I want to assure everyone that Nigeria, Ogun is safe, sports is one thing that unites any nation and sports will unite us, when I say sports, am talking about para sports now,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday Odebode, the President, Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, appreciated Ogun state for accepting to host the first West African para games despite the challenges.

Odebode commended the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Sheu Dikko , Director General, Bukola Olopade, and African Paralympics committee for making sure Nigeria host this first west africa para games.

“The West african para games is for the development of the West Coast. The common wealth is by the corner, this West africa Para game has given them another leverage.

“But today you will see ability in disability when you watched the opening ceremony today between Nigeria and Benin Republic, the amputee football,” he said.

The Secretary-General, Africa Paralympic Committee, Mr. Ignatius Elletey has commended the Federal Government and the Nigeria Paralympic Committee for hosting the maiden edition of the West Africa Para Games.

He described the gesture as a historic and impactful contribution to the development of Para sports on the continent.

“Let us use the power of sports to make persons with disabilities visible. Let us work to ensure they have access to sports and the opportunity to live fulfilling lives,” he said.