Para soccer stars relish excitement of World Polio Day football tourney

The thrilling para soccer match was one of the highlights of this year’s World Polio Day celebration as it provided a vibrant platform for players to showcase their skills at the weekend.

The match featured the Polio Rescue team against the Lagos team in a thrilling encounter at Agege in Lagos, with the Polio Rescue Association using the match to raise awareness about polio and advocate for the rehabilitation of people living with disabilities.

At the event graced by people from all walks of life, the association said that while vaccinations remained the only solution to preventing infantile paralysis, there is the need for adequate government interventions to support those affected by the disease.

In an impressive display of talent, the Polio Rescue team beat Team Lagos 2-1, scoring in each half, with Team Lagos scoring only once.

Speaking at the end of the game, the Convener, Olugbenga Kuye, highlighted the importance of the commemorative match, while calling for laws to support people with disabilities, ensuring they do not have to beg for financial assistance.

Kuye, a former chairman of the Lagos State Para Soccer Association, expressed his excitement about the teams’ performances and announced plans to start a para-soccer league and host regular events to engage the players.

He also commended the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) for supporting the association and urged the media to increase awareness, encouraging the government and well-meaning individuals to support people with disabilities.

The Polio Rescue Association’s yearly para soccer match, celebrating World Polio Day, began in 2017.