‘We organised para-games for you in April’ — sports ministry warns against further protest

The ministry of sports and youth development has reacted to the protest held by para-athletes over their exclusion from the 2022 National Sports Festival (NSF).

On Wednesday, some para-athletes sealed off a section of the road leading to the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, in protest.

The protesters demanded that their sports be included in the upcoming Delta 2022 NSF billed for November 28 through December 10.

Reacting to the protest in a statement, the ministry condemned the “public disturbances and the disruption of the peace” caused by the demonstrators.

According to the statement, the ministry said it had already approved the steps necessary for more inclusion of para-athletes in its sports timetable.

It listed the organisation of the first National Para Games in April 2022 as one of the measures taken, adding that “a special department for Para Sports” was also set in the ministry.

It also warned the para-athletes “against any further disruption of public peace”.

“The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has in its custody a letter of petition from some special athletes over the exclusion of some of their sports from the 21st National Sports Festival, Delta 2022,” the statement reads.

“It is unfortunate that these protests have led to public disturbances and the disruption of the peace in some parts of Lagos, hampering the flow of traffic in the process.

“It is important to highlight that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, after much deliberations and planning approved the following;

“Setting up of a special department for Para Sports in the Ministry.

“The Organisation of the first National Para Games in April 2022 where 16 Para Sports were competed for by 21 States of the Federation and some sports clubs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

“In all international competitions, ensuring there was no discrimination in the treatment of athletes, able or special, in terms of welfare, camping conditions, remuneration and other areas.

“The Ministry, hereby, warns and advises against any further disruption of public peace and urges anyone with complaints to channel them through the appropriate quarters and seek the path of dialogue.

“Hindering the right of other citizens to free movement is unlawful and unacceptable, especially after the earlier engagements of the Ministry’s Liaison Officer in Lagos and other well-meaning sports personalities.

“We urge the relevant security agencies to handle the situation at hand with care and in accordance with the law.”

The maiden edition of the Para-sports festival was held in Abuja in April and Bayelsa state finished first place with 31 gold, 30 silver and 32 bronze medals.