The 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta should include parasports, according to the Association of Lawyers with Disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN).
In a statement released on Sunday in Lagos, Mr. Daniel Onwe, president of ALDIN, spoke about the purported exclusion and criticised the National Sports Commission.
The group stated that it was horrified and profoundly disturbed about the removal of parasports, viewing such action as cruel and discriminatory.
According to ALDIN, the omission violates Section 1 of the “Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act” because it is a blatant display of discrimination.
“It is undeniable that more than any other sports, parasports have made this country proud with the many successes and laurels they have won at international competitions.
“Consequently, the world has with great awe, taken to the liking of Nigerian parasports athletes, especially in the game of powerlifting, athletics, and tennis, which they very interestingly beat their counterparts across the globe
“Since Rio and London Paralympics, parasports in Nigeria have become more attractive than other regular sports,” he said
“Therefore, ALDIN condemns the unjustifiable and inexplicable act of exclusion of athletes with disabilities, at a time like this, when inclusion had become the global heart cry,” he said.
The association is thus requesting that the exclusion be immediately corrected by including parasports.
While affirming that each and every Nigerian has an equal claim to the country, ALDIN is certain that no individual or group of individuals should be treated like a second-class citizen.
The National Sports Festival in Delta will feature a few carefully chosen parasport competitions on a scoring basis, according to Sports Minister Sunday Dare.
