Sports betting outfit, Betking, has said that it sponsored over 400 para-athletes to the just-concluded 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, to ensure that sportsmen and women have an enabling environment to compete to the best of their abilities.

Para-sports were part of the medal yielding events at the Gateway Games hosted by Ogun State from May 16 to 30, 2025.

At the festival, Betking Managing Director, Gossy Ukanwoke, spearheaded the full sponsorship of all para-sport events, covering transportation, medical classification, training kits, accommodation, and welfare packages for more than 400 special athletes from across the country.

Speaking at the festival, Ukanwoke explained the motivation behind the move: “Our sponsorship of para-sports reflects a deeper responsibility to support the overlooked. Every athlete, regardless of physical ability, deserves a platform to compete, grow, and inspire. This is not charity—it’s about equity.”

He said the sponsorship was borne out of the culture of supporting talented Nigerians no matter their circumstances, adding: “Back in 2022, BetKing adopted three national para-athletes—Nwachukwu Goodness, Temitope Hassan, and Promise Emeka—providing them with monthly stipends, housing, equipment, and regular training. Since then, the trio has gone on to win medals and break world records on the international stage.

“Beyond competitions, BetKing also organises the yearly BetKing Wheelchair Basketball Championship, adaptive sports clinics, and mentorship programmes, helping to groom the next generation of para-athletes.”

The Guardian recalls that Ukanwoke has been a prominent supporter of special athletes from the Asaba 2022 Games.