Paralympic Committee opens training camp, lauds NSC ahead of global events

With the backing of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) has officially opened a training camp in Lagos for para athletes preparing for a series of upcoming international championships.

President of the PCN, Sunday Odebode, said the camp is part of preparations for major events including the World Para Championship in Santiago, Chile; the Para Athletics Grand Prix in India; qualifiers for the World Para Table Tennis Championships; and qualifying tournaments for wheelchair basketball and para swimming.

Odebode expressed appreciation to the NSC for its support, crediting the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their leadership in making the camp possible. “We are very pleased the camp has opened, and it would not have been possible without the support of the National Sports Commission and its intentional leadership,” he said.

He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting sports development to professionals, noting that the para sports community has not enjoyed this level of support in a long time.

According to Odebode, early preparations like this significantly impact Nigeria’s performance at international competitions. He stressed that para athletes are highly motivated and focused on delivering results.

“The motivation and determination among our athletes have gone a notch higher due to the attention and support from the NSC,” he noted.

Odebode concluded by stating that the ultimate target is an impressive outing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.