In a powerful demonstration of corporate responsibility and inclusive leadership, Gossy Ukanwoke, managing director of KingMakers and CEO of BetKing, has initiated a groundbreaking programme to support para-sports development in Nigeria.
Through BetKing, one of Nigeria’s leading sports betting platforms, Ukanwoke is spearheading the outright sponsorship of all para-sport events at the National Sports Festival. The sponsorship encompasses transportation, medical classification, training kits, accommodation, and welfare packages for over 400 athletes with disabilities from across the nation.
Speaking at the just concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ukanwoke elaborated on the motivation behind this initiative.
“Our sponsorship of para-sports reflects a deeper responsibility to support those who are often overlooked,” he stated. “Every athlete, regardless of physical ability, deserves the opportunity to compete, grow, and inspire. This is not about charity—it’s about equity.”
The initiative has been widely praised by athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, showcasing BetKing’s ongoing commitment to inclusive development within Nigeria’s sports landscape. However, it is not a mere one-off effort.
In 2022, BetKing had already adopted three national para-athletes—Nwachukwu Goodness, Temitope Hassan, and Promise Emeka—providing them with monthly stipends, housing, equipment, and regular training. Since then, these dedicated athletes have achieved notable success, including medal wins and world record-breaking performances on the international stage.
In addition to supporting competitions, BetKing also organises the Annual BetKing Wheelchair Basketball Championship, adaptive sports clinics, and mentorship programmes aimed at cultivating the next generation of para-athletes. Observers suggest that Ukanwoke’s strategy transcends conventional sponsorship—it serves as a model of intentional investment in human potential.
This strategy of thoughtful investment and development, rather than simple sponsorship, has become a hallmark of Ukanwoke’s leadership. Through initiatives such as the Annual BetKing Wheelchair Basketball Championship, adaptive sports clinics, and athlete mentorship, he is inspiring a quiet revolution that places people at the core of performance.
From supporting para-athletics in Delta State in 2022 to advancing inclusion in Gateway Games 2024, Ukanwoke is working to ensure that the engagement of athletes with disabilities becomes the norm, rather than the exception. These impactful investments not only transform lives but also promise to reshape the future of sports in Nigeria.
In a sector often focused on profit margins and market dominance, Ukanwoke’s leadership sends a powerful message: that businesses can thrive while empowering the marginalised.
As para-athletes ascend the podiums adorned with medals and records, they embody more than just victory; they exemplify the belief that someone invested in their potential long before they achieved recognition. That visionary is Gossy Ukanwoke, and by championing inclusion, he is redefining standards for leadership across Africa.
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