A Port Harcourt based sports philantropist and Patron of the
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State Chapter, Chief
Christopher Okonkwo has described the recent reception accorded Nigeria’s
Paralympians to the 2012 London Paralympic Games as well deserved.

Chief Okonkwo, who barred his mind in a chat with sports
journalists in his office in Port Harcourt said their performance at the Games
had wipped away the disappointment and shame from the country’s contingents to
the main London Olympic Games held earlier.

While giving the Paralympians a pat on the back, Chief
Okonkwo also gave kudos to President Goodluck Jonathan for the government’s
gesture, describing as worthy.

He further said that apart from the monetary gift, the
president could have also encouraged them to further their education by
awarding them scholarships and if necessary name some streets or areas in the
country after their names.

“For making the country proud in the Paralympic Games after
the able bodied athletes failed woefully, they would have been given more
encouragement with better incentives”, the SWAN patron noted.

He called on the author ities to ensure that they continue
to groom them for future championship.

He also enjoined the Paralympians not to relent in their
efforts in ensuring that they continue to give the country their best.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Paralympians won 13
medals, six gold, five silver and  two
bronze and occupied the third position among the 10 African countries that
participated in the two-weeks event which held from August 29 to September 9,
2012.

Most of the Nigerian medals came from power lifting.

Collins Barasimeye