Coaches Urge NSC On Physically Challenged Persons

Ijeoma Iheriobim, a Powerlifting coach, on Thursday advised the National Sports Commission (NSC) to embark on regular inspirational seminars for physically-challenged persons, to boost their abilities in sports.
Iheriobim made the call during an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
She said that such a programme would not only arouse their interest in sports, but also give them a sense of belonging.
“Many of the physically challenged persons have lots of hidden talents which they are not aware of, but such seminars will awake the skills in them.
“I do see many of them on the road engaging in street begging and I feel the NSC can help to covert them into athletes through inspirational sports seminars,” she said.
The coach advised the commission to choose a central venue such as the National Stadium, Lagos, and also make available some refreshments and stipends, to encourage them.
“The National Stadium is a central and accessible point, where most of them will not have difficulty in locating. However, refreshments and a little stipend will draw a large crowd.
“It is also a way of reducing street begging and giving such persons an opportunity to contribute their quota to the society through sports, thus making them less dependent,” Iheriobim said.
According to her, what many of them need is just a little orientation to pick up a career in sports.
She advised that experienced sports administrators could be invited to anchor the programme.
Iheriobim said that there were varieties of sports that physically-challenged persons can be encouraged to develop interest in.
She said such sports included powerlifting, athletics, table tennis, basketball and amputee football.