Six specialised schools in Katsina are expected to participate in the maiden two-day Governor Dikko Radda Para-Games Schools Competition.

The competition is also expected to bring together young athletes with special needs in a pioneering showcase of talent and resilience.

The executive director of the Katsina State Sports Council, Abdullahi Bello-Rawayau, announced this during the official distribution of sporting materials to participating schools.

He called organising the competition a bold step toward inclusivity and grassroots sports, showing the state’s readiness to stage a landmark school sports event.

He added that the event highlights the state’s commitment to empowering persons with special needs through sports.

The executive director noted that six specialised schools had been selected to compete in the two-day event scheduled to begin next week.

He listed the participating schools, including the School for the Blind, Kofar Yandaka, School for the Deaf Malumfashi, Community Secondary School for the Blind Daura, and the School for Deaf and Blind Kofar Soro.

Other schools joining the competition are para soccer teams from Government College Katsina and Katsina College Katsina.

“The competition is designed not only to promote sportsmanship, but also to foster confidence, unity, and equal opportunity among students living with disabilities across the state,” he said.

The programme consultant, Zaharaddeen Nasarawa, described the event as a strategic platform for discovering hidden talents that could represent the state at national and international para-sport competitions.

He said the para-games would serve as a vital platform for talent identification, ensuring that athletes with special needs receive the recognition and exposure they deserve.

The senior special assistant to the governor on special sports, Hudu Usman, commended Mr Radda for his sustained support for the development of sports at all levels, particularly initiatives that promote inclusivity.

(NAN)