By Charity Nwosu
Members of the Nasara Physically Challenged Centre in Dei-Dei Community, Bwari Area Council, FCT, on Monday participated in a football match organised to promote inclusion, healthy living and social integration.
The participants spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the friendly match organised by the Traditional Leader of Dakwa, Alhaji Alhassan Babachukuri, at his palace in Dakwa, Abuja.
NAN also reports that the game was intended to bring together and unite persons with disabilities, living with a shared purpose.
Speaking at the event, Babachukuri said that the initiative was designed to encourage persons with disabilities to remain physically active while promoting their inclusion in society.
He said persons with disabilities deserve equal opportunities to participate in sporting and social activities, stressing that disability should never be a barrier to achieving one’s full potential.
”I organised this match to encourage them to stay active, feel included and enjoy themselves, so they know they are valued and never alone,” he said.
The traditional leader said the community also had football, table tennis and handball clubs to keep participants engaged, nurture their talents and discourage street begging through meaningful recreational activities.
”They have many talents and abilities but lack the necessary support. Given the opportunity, they can achieve great things and contribute meaningfully to society like everyone else,” he added.
Babachukuri called on governments at all levels to provide greater support and opportunities for persons with disabilities to reduce dependency and promote self-reliance.
One of the players, Usman Abubakar, said the event gave participants an opportunity to socialise, exercise and demonstrate that disability was no barrier to sports or other social activities.
”We are happy to celebrate through football. This match shows that we are talented, capable and determined in spite of our physical challenges.
”Many people focus only on our limitations, but today we are showing that we also have talents and abilities that can inspire others,” he said.
Another participant, Muhammad Sani, said sports had helped many persons with disabilities build confidence and improve their physical and mental well-being.
He appealed to relevant authorities to establish more sporting programmes and competitions for persons with disabilities across the country.
According to him, greater participation in sports will reduce discrimination and promote social integration.
A coach, Abdullahi Adamu, said the football match demonstrated that persons with disabilities possessed enormous potential that should be encouraged and supported.
”This football match is not just a celebration; it is also a message that persons with disabilities deserve equal opportunities and inclusion in all aspects of life.
”We need more support, training facilities and encouragement from society. Sports can help many persons with disabilities discover their talents and become self-reliant,” he said.
He urged government, corporate organisations and individuals to invest in disability-inclusive sports and empowerment initiatives.
Some residents who watched the match commended the players for their courage and resilience, describing the event as inspiring and entertaining.
Participants also expressed appreciation to the traditional leader for organising the match, describing it as a morale booster that gave them a sense of belonging and recognition.
They said regular sporting activities would improve their physical health, boost self-confidence and strengthen social relationships within their communities.
The event attracted community members, youths and local leaders, who applauded the initiative and called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in community development programmes.
The football match, which showcased various talents, ended with goodwill messages and renewed calls for sustained efforts to eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities through sports and other inclusive activities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor