The Association of Southeast Para Sports of Nigeria (ASEPSN) has harped on the need to develop para sports from the region, adding that athletes, officials and coaches from the zone have experienced marginalization, nepotism and deprivation from the activities of the federation.
The Association made this disclosure during the sports and humanitarian merit award ceremony organised by the Southeast Para Sports Forum at indoor sports gymnasium hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium at the weekend.
In his address, Coordinator Southeast Para Sports Forum, Silver Ezeikpe reaffirmed that zone has continually produced top athletes that have done the country proud in major competitions, calling on cooperate bodies, individuals and relevant stakeholders to improve on the fortunes para sports in the region.
According to the President, Amputee Football Federation of Nigeria (AFFN), Chief Paul Maduakor reiterated that region will continue to be the bed rock of sporting talents and excellence, promising that the platform wil be used to change the narratives of para sports in the nearest future.
On his part, President Para Swimming Federation of Nigeria (PSFN), Honourable Amobi Chikwendu lamented over the treatment and rejection para sthletes go through in the zone, noting that in some states they are actively involved and are taken care off.
Meanwhile, other recipients of the awards include the 5 southeast governors ably represented by their aides, Senator Osita Izunaso, Chief Osondu Ogbu, Chiemka Ezenwanne, Lady Ifeoma Atueegwu, Mrs. Chioma Ajunwa Opara among others.
However, the award ceremony which was sponsored by a sports equipment company and bina foundation was to create awareness and also appreciate the personalities that impacted and contributed immensely in the development of para sports in the region.
