At seventh PTDOS, group, students canvass support for special athletes

The Rotaract Club, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (MEDILAG), Disability Advocacy Initiative and the Paralympic Institute of Nigeria have called on Nigerians to rally round special athletes by helping them to hone their talents in the least stressful manner.

Making the call during a Paralympic competition put together by students of physiotherapy department of the school at the Mainbowl of the National Stadium, Lagos, last weekend, the students said talented special athletes would find it easy to develop their talents and win laurels for the country if they were given the necessary facilities to train and enhance their skills.

Athletes at the event competed for laurels in wheelchair racing, upper amputee race, discus, javelin, medical check-ups and physiotherapy sessions.
Speaking at the event, the President, Rotary Club of Ikeja South, Bolatito Olatoye, said the club partnered with Rotaract Club of Medilag to empower those on the wheel chair, adding that the collaboration was also the evidence of Rotarians’ belief in diversity, equity and inclusion.
She disclosed that the club carried out free checkup for the participants and gave grant to winners.

“We call on the government to assist them to develop their talents so that they can participate in international sports, just as we implore Nigerians to see them as part of the society,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the president, Rotaract Club of Medilag, Oriade Oluwapelumi, said the event was organised to celebrate the resilience of those living with disability to encourage them and show the world that there is ability in disability.

Lagos Project Coordinator of Physiotherapy Day of Paralympics Sports, final year student, Abigael Oluwaferanmi, who coordinated Lagos Island, Mainland and Ikorodu Projects, said two indigent participants were given N50,000 each, while other participants were given medals and certificates.