Youth and Sports Development Minister, Sunday Dare, yesterday promised to support the country’s powerlifters’ preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, as well as attendance at the games to enable them maintain their global number status.
Speaking when he hosted the team, which won the just-concluded Powerlifting Championship in Manchester at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Dare said, “Your performance can be described as excellent and superlative winning 10 gold, two silver medals and setting two new world records.
“We couldn’t have asked for something better as a country… it can only get better. You have kept the spirit of excellence, which you are known for, alive. This country is proud of you, as you have put Nigeria on the global map. This signposts what to expect at the Paralympics in August, we expect you to make the country proud.”
The minister revealed that his ministry has in the last one year worked to improve support to the team, adding, “We will work with the federation to ensure they get proper support to attend all the Paralympics qualifiers. They will get higher funding as they prepare for the Paralympics.”
