Foundation pledges dollars for paralympic medallists

Team Nigeria athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games have been charged to go all out to win medals with the assurance of huge rewards and appreciation.

President of the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation (ACTDF), Engr. Noah Dallaji, gave the charge at the weekend to herald the official opening of the Games scheduled for today in Tokyo, Japan.

“The physically-challenged sports people are very dear to my heart. They have always won medals and brought glory to our nation at every Olympics,” Dallaji, who has for years been championing the cause of less-privileged talents in all fields, pointed out.

He added: “They have been consistent in their performance. They are also very resilient, ever ready to serve and bring glory to Nigeria and I think it is very important that we appreciate and encourage them.

“I will give $1000 for every gold and graduate down to silver and bronze medallists. Let them know that Nigerians appreciate them that we are behind them and praying for their success.

“I believe their success will inspire more and more persons with disability to find personal fulfillment through sports. When they perform and we appreciate and reward them to encourage them, it will go a long way to foster social integration in our society.”

The Nigeria Paralympic team have since departed for the Tokyo 2020 Games with 21 athletes, consisting of 10 powerlifters, five athletes and six para-table tennis players.