The Lagos State Para-powerlifting Association in conjunction with the Lagos State Sports Commission organized a one-day championship held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
As part of the efforts of the association to continue to put athletes in competitive shape and improve their strength, skills and techniques ahead of national and international championships, the event featured five different weights: 50kg, 55kg, 67kg, 75kg and 85kg.
The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission LSSC, Lekan Fatodu, ably represented by the Director Public Affairs,Titilayo Oshodi-Eko, noted that the essence of the championship is to consolidate on the THEMES plus agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu particularly to give platform to the People living with disabilities to showcase their sporting skills.
He stressed that the state government under Governor Sanwo-Olu is working round the clock to ensure that para athletes get the same attention being giving to their able counterparts. Having draped the state colours at the second edition of the National Para-Games in Abuja, Fatodu reiterated that the state would continue to give maximum attention to sports development irrespective of the athletes status.
According to the Chairman, Lagos State Para-Powerlifting Association, Dr Babatunde Awelenje, adaptive sports is one of tool to empower people living with disabilities and the championship enabled the state to showcase athletes and give them opportunity to express their talent.
No fewer 30 male and female athletes drawn from different parts of the state competed at the championship which started with the preliminaries, Awelenje expressed commitment of the association to organize regular competitions to engage and keep the athletes busy.
While acknowledging the support of the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu towards the success of the event, Awelenje commended the Lagos State Government for creating the enabling environment for the people living with disabilities to excel in sports and promote self-development for para-athletes.
He revealed that the association will organize another championship with collaborative support of the Lagos State Sports Commission before the end of the year.
In his remarks, Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Sports Development, Damilare Orimoloye highlighted that the state will not rest on its oars when it comes to sports development, adding that people living with disabilities will be encouraged to participate actively in sporting activities.
The athletes who represented the state at different competitions including, the second edition of the National Para-Games held last year in Abuja, commended the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Sports Commission for supporting the association to stage the championship.
The athletes called for more competitions to enhance the growth of the Para-Powerlifting, discover new athletes for the state and the PLWDs a sense of belonging.
At the end of the championship, cash prizes were presented to the top three athletes in various weight categories.
