Team Equality last Sunday defeated Team End Stigma 3-2 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, to win the FAME para soccer inclusion tournament.
Team Tolerance placed third in the tournament organised for the physically challenged by FAME Foundation, in conjunction with the French Embassy in Nigeria.
The tournament which featured eight para soccer teams in the state provided an opportunity for youths with disabilities to showcase their skills and abilities through sports.
Each team was given a special name aimed at promoting inclusion and awareness about the abilities and potential of persons with disabilities.
Thus, the eight teams were named Team Equality, Team Diversity, Team Tolerance, Team Peace, Team End Stigma, Team Integration, Team Unity, and Team Solidarity.
Executive Director of the organisation, Ms. Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, told journalists that the two-day tourney was organised to commemorate International Youth Day.
“This game is undoubtedly a thrilling display of sportsmanship, but it extends beyond the game itself. It is an effective tool for youths, especially those living with disabilities. Our decision to centre the Youth Day celebration on a Para Soccer Inclusion Tournament demonstrates our commitment to empowering all people, regardless of their abilities.
“People living with disabilities are no different from others; they ought to be treated fairly and equitably, and they must be involved in all aspects of society, including sports,” Ogunleye-Bello said.
She stated that: “I hope that this event inspires sports teams, organisations, and government agencies to see beyond these wonderful people’s limitations and give them a chance to showcase their potential.”
Speaking on the occasion, former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, commended the organisers for the initiative, saying he was happy to watch the physically-challenged engage in sporting activities.
Galadima noted that more employment opportunities be provided for the physically-challenged, especially through sports to enable them to contribute their quota to the growth of the society as well.
