NSC names organising committee for national para games

Taofeek Lawal

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 3rd edition of the National Para Games, showing its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and the continued development of para sports in Nigeria.

The Commission has constituted a 13-member committee chaired by the Director, National Sports Festival & Para Sports Department, Mrs Thecla Opara, while Mrs Hauwa Saibu serves as Secretary. Other members include Raphael Odo, Mohammed Rabiu, Abdullahi Libata, Lambu Umar, Dr Ozi Salami, Kola Daniel Adeyanju, Lanre Ogunjobi, Ebidowei Oweife, Issa Suleiman and Asaba Pius.

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The Commission mandated the Committee to deliver the Games under an atmosphere of fair play and sportsmanship in line with global best practices.

Athletes will partake in sports such as  Amputee Football, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Canoe, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, Para Soccer, Para Swimming, Para Taekwondo, Para Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis.

The Games is scheduled to hold from 26th March to 3rd April, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the same venue that hosted the previous editions. The maiden edition in 2022 featured over 4,000 para-athletes from 21 states competing across 15 sports, with Bayelsa State emerging overall champions. 

The Para Games is an annual multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government through the NSC, and it provides a competitive platform for Nigerian sportsmen and women with disabilities, creating room to promote excellence, healthy competition and national unity.