Enugu crowned champions as National Para Games end in style

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Abuja 

 

 

The curtains came down in grand fashion at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Friday, as Enugu State powered their way to overall glory at the 3rd National Para Games.

It was a fitting finale to days of grit, resilience, and elite competition, with Enugu finishing top of the medals table in emphatic fashion, 40 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze, leaving rivals trailing in their wake.

Bayelsa settled for second with a strong haul, while Edo completed the podium in third. Rivers and Lagos rounded off the top five in a fiercely contested championship.

The closing ceremony sparkled with high-profile presence, as Nana Kashim Shettima stood in for Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, delivering a powerful message of inclusion and hope.

She hailed the athletes as true champions, regardless of podium finishes, praising their discipline and fighting spirit.

“Medal or no medal, you are all champions,” she declared, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring no athlete is left behind.

She also applauded the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Shehu Dikko for delivering a seamless and impactful event, noting the renewed focus on sports development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dikko, in his remarks, assured that para sports would remain a top priority, promising sustained support and more opportunities for athletes to shine on bigger stages.

As the lights dimmed in Abuja, one thing stood clear, Nigeria’s para athletes didn’t just compete; they inspired hope.