The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities(JONAPWD) Ekiti state chapter will hold its first Athletics Championship on Oct.30 and 31, respectively, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the competition, Coach Peter Ojo, made the declaration on Monday while addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN)Ekiti state chapter in Ado-Ekiti.
Ojo said it is the first time that the Ekiti state Government would approve a Sports competition among persons with disabilities in the state.
He commended the Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for emerging as the first governor in the history of Ekiti to endorse, approve and support the proposal to organise a sports competition among persons with disabilities.
Ojo said the state government has done well by putting in place other welfare packages for members of the association.
He explained that there would be different athletics events for the four categories that constitute persons with disabilities, including the Deaf, the Blind, the Handicap and the Albinos.
Ojo, who is also Ekiti Para-Athletic coach said adequate arrangements have been made for facilities, media coverage, medical and security during the competition.
The chairman of the organising committee said there is no age barrier for the participants, and members from the 16 local government areas of the state are expected to participate in the competition.
He gave an assurance that cash gifts, certificates, medals and trophies would be given to the outstanding athletes while those with exceptional talents would be shortlisted for the National Invitation and Sports Festival.
Dignitaries present at the press briefing include SWAN Vice President, South West, Mr Ayodeji Ogunsakin; Acting Chairman of Persons with Disabilities in Ekiti, Mr Sesan Aina; Secretary, Mr Femi Oni as well as Secretary to the Local Organising Committee(LOC), Mr Kayode Owolabi.
