Sen. John Owan-Enoh, minister of sports development, has pledged more support for the development of para-sports in the country.

Mr Enoh made the pledge on Monday in Abuja following Nigeria’s encouraging participation at the maiden 2023 African Para Games in Accra.

The minister in a statement issued by Mohammed Manga, director press in the ministry, congratulated Team Nigeria for making the nation proud at the Games, in spite of financial challenges.

Team Nigeria has so far clinched two medals in the women’s wheelchair tennis, singles and doubles categories.

“We are passionate about support for para-sports and will ensure that the existing medium already created and dedicated to coordinate, promote and manage the development of para-sports in Nigeria is strengthened for better performance.

“We will make it possible to utilise para-sports as a veritable tool for accelerated social integration and inclusion of persons living with disabilities,” he said.

Mr Enoh said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was committed to using sports to empower, especially people living with disabilities and tackling poverty alleviation.

He called on relevant stakeholders to join government in developing para sports in the country, with a view to giving the athletes, a sense of belonging.

The games, which began on Sept. 3 with over 20 countries participating, will end on Tuesday.

(NAN)