Minister Urges Para-Athletes To Restore Nigeria’s Pride As Paris Paralympic Begins

The minister of sports development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has charged Team Nigeria’s Paralympic athletes to redeem the nation’s pride at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The minister gave the charge as the summer of sports in Paris began its final chapter with the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games, yesterday.

More than 4,000 athletes with physical, visual and intellectual impairments will compete in 22 sports over the next 11 days.

Senator Enoh, in a press statement signed by his SA on media, Diana-Mary Nsan, said the Games presented a unique platform for Nigeria to demonstrate excellence and determination on the global stage.

“Paris 2024 is not just another sporting event; it’s an opportunity for Team Nigeria to show the world what we are capable of. Our athletes have trained hard, and they are prepared to give their best performance. We are here to compete, to win, and to bring glory to Nigeria,” said Senator Enoh.

Team Nigeria arrived in Paris with a strong contingent of 35 athletes, accompanied by a dedicated team of coaches and medical personnel, and Enoh expressed confidence in the athletes and their potential to achieve greatness.

“Our para-athletes have always been a source of inspiration and pride for Nigeria.

“I have no doubt that they will make us proud again in Paris. We are all behind them, and we are confident that they will exceed expectations and bring home numerous medals,” Enoh said.

Team Nigeria will compete in four sports: para athletics, para badminton, para powerlifting, and para table tennis, with a total of 24 athletes participating.

The athletes have pledged to build on Nigeria’s proud history at the Paralympic Games, where the country first made its debut in 1992 and has since achieved remarkable success, amassing 80 medals.