Para-Soccer Coach Calls For Regular Sponsorship

The Lagos State Paralympics Association Para-Soccer Head Coach, Femi Awofemi has appealed to corporate organisations to sponsor regular competitions to promote the sport in the country.

Para-Soccer is Six-A-Side football game played by physically challenged players with their hands, while seating on skateboards.

Awofemi told newsmen in Lagos that lack of competitions was one of the factors militating against the development of the sport.

He said that government alone could not fund sports development, adding that corporate organisations could promote sports, especially for disabled athletes, as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Awofemi said that disabled athletes performed well in sports but engaged in alms begging and other vices due to lack support.

“Most of the physically challenged athletes are talented and perform well in sports but lack of competitions is responsible for their going back to the streets,’’ he said.

The coach said that Para-Soccer players relied solely on Promasidor Nigeria Ltd,, maker of Cowbell milk sponsored annual championship, after which some of them went back to the streets.

Awofemi said that the recent indefinite postponement of the 6th Promasidor tournament which usually holds during the Easter period had demoralised the Para-Soccer players.

“If corporate organisations can sponsor more competitions for them, it will help channel their energies to sports which will in turn promote Para-Soccer in the country,’’ he added.