IZUNASO SPLASHES OVER N5m On NIGERIA PARALYMPIC ATHLETES

By Ike Njoku

In a bid to encourage sports development in the country and instill spirit of patriotism among athletes, the Senator representing Imo West (Orlu zone) in the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso on thursday October 31 at his Owerri residence, hosted the country's representatives at the France 2024 Paralympics games.

Addressing his guests, the Senator thanked the representatives for making the country proud at the France Olympics Games.

He expressed joy that the disables have continued to promote the name of the country in most of their outings, stressing that he will continue to promote the activities of people living with disabilities.

The Imo West Senator noted that the performance of the Paralympics is the only thing giving the country good image at the moment and vowed to continue to support them.

He announced a cash donation of   one million naira  each for the two Gold medalists, #600,000 each for the three Silver medalists and #400,000 for the two bronze medalists.

Similarly,the coaches and other members of the contingent were equally rewarded handsomely.

The senator said that it is a personal token from him as a way to appreciate them for making the country proud.

Responding,a member of the Paralympics Federation of Nigeria, Silver Ezuruike, thanked the senator for his milk of human kindness, pointing out that if they have more people like him,that they will fly.

Also speaking,Mr Chinedu Njoku the Chief Security officer of Kpakpando Persons with Disability, said that disables in Imo State are hundred percent happy with the Senator,whom he said gave all the Persons with Disability that attended his birthday party the previous day,a sum of #25,000 each, adding that as the disables are jubilating, that heaven is jubilating with him.

Contributing, Ugwunwa Flora,a Silver Medalist in the Para Athletics said "you are not the only Senator in Nigeria, but you are the only Senator that has shown interest in Persons with Disabilitiy PWD, you dont discriminate,you called everybody together".She thanked him,  prayed for him and wished him well.

It would be recalled that Nigeria won 2 gold,3 silver and 2 bronze at this year's Para Athletics held in France.

The medalists include: Oluwafemiayo Folashade and Mark Onyinyechi(Gold), Bose Molayo and Ugwunwa Flora(Silver),Bolaji Eniola, amongst others.