Para-athletics trials end in Lagos

The two- day Nigeria Para-Athletics men and women National Open trials began in Lagos on Wednesday with over 100 athletes drawn from across the country in attendance.

With the main bowl of the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos as venue the event would end today.

Secretary General of the Nigeria Para-Athletics Federation, Chinedu Osuoha, who revealed this in Lagos, said the trials was not only aimed at discovering new talents, but also aimed at selecting those that will form the core of Nigeria National Team since there is need for the Federation to have a standing National Team in all the categories.

According to Osuoha, Nigeria Para-Athletics team posted credible performance at the Rio 2016 Paralympics Games in Brazil by winning two gold medals and one bronze medal. And having to be match-rusty due to lack of competitions the federation cannot continue to fold its arms as if all is well hence the need for the trials.

He added that there will be action in all the categories of Para-Athletics events in track and field like 100m T11, T12, T13, T37, T38 and T47 plus 400m T47. Action will also be witnessed in shot-put T20 and T54 as well as discuss events.

He said the Federation is also on the look -out for the coaches that will produce the best athletes for the National team.

Osuoha who commended the Sports Ministry for providing them with the platform to conduct the trials insists that the programme would go a long way in giving the Federation the needed new direction as this happens to be his first major assignment since assuming office as the Secretary General of the Nigeria Para-athletics Federation.

He equally advised coaches to brace up for new challenges ahead of 2017 World Championships and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.