Early Preparations, Key To Our Success -Medalist

World record-setter, Esther Oyema says early preparations and provision of facilities will keep Nigeria’s para-athletes ahead in every sport.
The paralympian, who smashed the world record in the women’s lightweight power lifting event at the just- concluded Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, made the statement in an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday.
Oyema surpassed her previous mark of 126 Kg set four years ago in Glasgow to win gold, lifting 131kg.
“Whatever challenge the able-bodied face, we the physically-challenged face it thrice.
“When we train, we do it with all our heart because some of us see sports as the only medium to express ourselves. So, we can be ahead of our counterparts in any tournament.
“We have done it before and will still do more. All we need is facilities, early preparations and support from all spheres of the society,” Oyema said.
The 36-year-old also commended Peak Milk for the world-class facility provided for para-powerlifting in Lagos, calling on corporate organisations and state governments to do same in their various locations.
For achieving her new feat, the ace power-lifter has God to thank, as well as the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, adding that she hopes to break and set more records in future.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria returned from the Games on Wednesday with nine gold, nine silver and six bronze, finishing ninth place among 71 countries.
Six of the medals were won by six para-power lifters.