By Eyere Ekuta
The 3rd National Para Games have officially come to a close in Abuja, bringing to an end over a week of resilience, competition, and inspiring performances from athletes across the country.
Held from March 26th to April 3rd at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the Games once again highlighted the strength, determination, and excellence of Nigeria’s para athletes.
At the close of competition, Enugu State emerged as overall winners, topping the medal table with a commanding 40 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Bayelsa and Edo followed closely behind, while Rivers and Lagos completed the top five in what proved to be a fiercely contested Games.
For Enugu, the victory marks a historic milestone.
Speaking after the Games, a representative of the state, Ezema Benard, the Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Commission, South East Zone, expressed overwhelming joy, describing the achievement as a landmark moment not just in para sports, but in the state’s sporting history. He also noted that the victory sets the tone for Enugu as they prepare to host the next National Sports Festival.
Beyond the medal table, the Games delivered memorable moments across several sports, with athletes not only competing for honours but also redefining limits and challenging perceptions.
The closing ceremony reflected this spirit of inclusion and national unity, with the wife of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Hajia Nana Shettima, representing the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
In her address, she emphasized the importance of inclusion and equal opportunity for persons living with disabilities.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Initiative to empower persons with disabilities, including financial support programs aimed at improving livelihoods and economic independence.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, commended athletes, officials, and organizers for a successful outing, while calling for sustained commitment to inclusion and athlete development.
Throughout the Games, athletes competed in multiple disciplines including para athletics, wheelchair basketball, amputee football, para volleyball, para powerlifting, and para badminton, among others.
The event not only showcased elite talents but also recorded increased participation from new athletes, reinforcing its core objective of talent discovery and development.
Beyond competition, the Games also served as a reminder of the growing impact of para sports in Nigeria, especially following strong international performances such as at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
As athletes depart Abuja with medals, experiences, and renewed motivation, stakeholders say the focus must now shift to sustaining momentum, improving welfare, and deepening inclusion across all levels of sports and society.
The 3rd National Para Games may have ended, but its message remains clear, ability thrives where opportunity exists.
