Deaflympic Games: Nigerian Teams Assure Good Outing

The national male and female deaf table tennis teams, have assured Nigerians of an excellent performance at the 2013 Deaflympic Games scheduled for July 24 to August 4 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The Technical Director, Nigeria Deaf Table Tennis Association, Mukaila Olaoye,  told newsmen in Lagos that the teams would surprise the country at the Games.

Olaoye said that the players were on top of their training for the international event, stressing that the long period of training had enabled the players to understand themselves.

“We are going to the Games to win all the laurels because I know all my players’ abilities. They have been training together and I know that they are talented,’’ he said.

Olaoye said that players selected at the trials held between April 17 and April 19 in Lagos would resume camping for the final selection ahead of the Games.

He, however, appealed to corporate organisations in the country to assist the two teams to attend training tours and organise some friendly matches before the Games.

The director noted that the training tour and friendly matches further would assist the teams to improve their skills in preparation for the Games.

According to him, exposure and refreshed experience will make the teams achieve their desire at the Games.

“I am appealing to corporate bodies to please come to the aid of these players

“Because they are physically-challenged should not discourage companies to assist and support for them to remain good citizens and not begging for alms on the streets.

“They engaged in sports first as a means of livelihood and to lift the Nigerian flag high at international scenes, so they should be supported,’’ he said.

Other sports at the Games are wrestling (freestyle and Greco-Roman), taekwondo, tennis, volleyball athletics, badminton, basketball and beach volleyball.

Also included are: tenpin bowling, cycling, football, judo, karate, mountain bike, orienteering, shooting and swimming.