Team Imo emerged overall winner in the inaugural edition of the Southeast Para Powerlifting Championship, with the theme: “discover, develop and adjust”, held at the Indoor Multipurpose Gymnasium Sports Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, yesterday, with a total of 10 medals consisting of 5 gold and 5 silver.
The tournament which witnessed para sports administrators as well as sport enthusiasts was solely sponsored by the President of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation, NPPF, Chiemeka Charles Ezenwanne, in collaboration with the Southeast National Sports Commission and Southeast para powerlifting officials.
Abia State contingents, led by Director for Sports, Comrade Obioma George represented by Coach Jude Chinedu Ihuarulam, gave a good account of themselves as they finished second on the medal table 7 medals made up 5 gold and 2 silver.
For Team Enugu, despite being the host state, it was another disappointing and below par outing, placing third on the medal standings with a gold and 2 bronze, with just two athletes that competed in three different weight categories.
Speaking to newsmen, gold medalist in 61kg female category, Ugochukwu Kasarachi (Abia State), thanked God for the feat and her Coach for helping her come through, while pledging that she will continue to improve in subsequent championships.
Also Speaking, Paralympics and World Championship gold medalist, Lucy Ejike, expressed high optimism in the performance of the athletes, saying that they have the potential to rule the world.
In his opening address, the President of the NPPF, Chiemeka Ezinwanne, a philanthropist and businessman, disclosed that they are working on organizing such competitions in different zones across the country, reassuring that exceptional talents would be invited to the national team.
The Sports Administrator calls on the government, corporate bodies and well meaning individuals to support the sport as part of their corporate social responsibility, restating that the championship would be an annual event.
On his part, NSC Southeast Coordinator, Benard Ezema, reiterated that the Commission will be working relentlessly and closely with the sporting federations in delivering an outing that will leave a lasting legacy.
Hallmark of the event was the award and medal presentations to the winners, just as some of the state coaches and directors have started planning for the next edition of the championship.
Over 40 athletes from three states competed in the 2-day event.
