Over 42 athletes and officials would depart the country today to participate in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, holding in Los Angeles, U.S., from July 25 to August 2.

The championship is aimed at assisting physically and mentally challenged youths from around the world to discover their potential in sports and according to the organisers, it would be another opportunity for the Nigerian team to gain exposure and compete favorably with their peers in the international arena.

Speaking at the send-forth party held for the special athletes at the weekend, National Director, Special Athletes Nigeria, Naomi Saliu-Lawal, said the board’s target was to ensure youths with disabilities in Nigeria got the same privilege as their able counterparts.

“With the level of support given to the athletes, I believe the Nigerian team would excel in the championship. Our goal in the Special Olympic board is to create an enabling environment for the mentally and physically challenge athletes to get inculcated to the activities of the society through sports.

“Apart from sports, we are also making arrangement’s with our sponsors to give the athletes assistance to be productive, as it would go a long way to make them self reliant.”

We have also made enough arrangements to ensure the special athletes get the best support and assistance while competing in the championship,” she said.