The Nigeria Paralympics Committee (NPC) has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to join hands with other African countries to ensure the re­introduction of powerlifting in All Africa Games.

A member of the Technical Committee of NPC, Feyisetan Are, made the appeal in an interview with  newsmen in Lagos recently.

It will be recalled that powerlifting was de-listed from the All Africa Games in 2003 when Nigeria hosted the edition, tagged “COJA 2003”.

Are said the country had talented athletes in the sport and noted that not featuring powerlifting in competitions was a setback to special sportsmen and women.

“Powerlifting is one sport that is important to the country because it is a multi-medal winning sport where Nigeria has comparative advantage.

“The NSC should meet with other countries, such as Egypt, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, known to have good athletes in the sport to realise the re-introduction,” he said.

Are said that the association lacked equipment, such as benches, weight, magnesium power, crutches and wheelchairs, for training to aid athletes’ movement.

He urged the Federal Government and sports federations to ensure that the National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt in June was successful.

“Sports is rehabilitation for physically challenged people to keep off the streets because the lack of care by government and the people was responsible for their being outside,” he said.