Team Nigeria paralympians lived up to pledge —Sports ministry

NIGERIA’S contingent to the just-ended Rio Paralympics deserve to be honoured because they did as they promised the country, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has said.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa who headed the team that received the second batch of the Paralympic team on Monday night assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would thereby do the needful by rewarding them  handsomely.

“You told us that you were going to make Nigerians proud and you fulfilled your promise. It was a wonderful outing because Nigeria are leading in Africa in Paralympic Games and we are 17th in the world.”

“This is one of the most  astonishing performances that have brought great honour to this country. It goes to prove that beyond strength, there is also ability in disability.”

He also commended the Presidency for supporting the athletes through training and ensuring prompt payment of all camp allowances and other financial obligations.

“We are proud of you, and we did our best by making sure that during your training, we took care of you and paid all your training allowances and we are not owing you.

“These great athletes brought honour to this country and that is why we are celebrating them today. I know that when Mr. President comes back, He will do the needful. He watched you people, you made him happy and you made Nigerians happy”, Ohaa said.

One of the gold medallists and world  record holder, Lauretta Onye  said she was inspired to win gold for the country by her coach and her passion to bring honour to her fatherland.

“ A lot of things inspired me but what inspired me the most was my training. I trained very hard to make it possible to get there.I was inspired by my coach to go there and conquer. Also, I was inspired by my country to go there and win” Onye said.