Special Athletes Decry Lack Of Recognition

Some Para-athletes in
Lagos yesterday said that they are not appreciated when compared to the recognition given to their able-bodied counterparts.
The athletes, who spoke in separate interview to newsmen described special athletes as those with the potentials of winning medals for the country at international competitions.
Lovina Onyegbule, a two time gold medallist at the 2015 African Games, said that disabled athletes had been making the nation proud, unlike the able-bodied athletes that often failed to secure medals.
“We are not appreciated in our country. Disabled athletes in Nigeria are usually not well treated.
“Although the government sometimes shows concern to special athletes, that is not enough compared to what they do for the able-bodied ones.
“If you look at the country’s performance at International competitions, you will see that it is the disabled athletes that have been flying the nation’s flag high.
“If I was to be Blessing Okagbare that won two gold medals in Congo Brazzaville, they would have celebrated me more,” she added.
Also, Njideka Iyiazi, a gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, said some people tended to downgrade special athletes because of their physical appearance.
Iyiazi, however, demanded that they should be accorded the needed recognition at all times.
“The problem with our country is that if you are physically challenged, people tend to look at you as useless. We have been doing well and will continue to do so.
“Other countries do not see their special athletes like that. We are not ineffective because there is ability in our disability,” she said.
Israel Akujor, a F40 Shot put Discus thrower said it was disheartening that the public looked down on them, stressing that they did not ask to be created the way they were.
“I am the way I am, not because I asked for it. When some people see me, they look at me as if I am not anybody.
“Even when we win medals, we are not celebrated like the able-bodied, “he lamented.