42 athletes to represent Nigeria at the 2015 Special Olympics

A total number of 42 athletes will be representing Nigeria at the 2015 Special Olympics holding in Los Angeles, USA from July 25.

The athletes, who will be assisted by 18 officials, will be feature in seven sports including swimming, athletics, basketball and table tennis.

Chairman, Board of Directors, Special Olympics Nigeria, Victor Osibodu, said in Lagos on Friday that the delegates were carefully selected for the sporting events, urging the athletes to give their best and make the nation proud.

“It is more about participation and being part of the global community,” Osibodu said.

He also praised the sponsors for their immense support to Special Olympics Nigeria.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sewedo Whenu, said Lagos State would continue to support Special Olympics Nigeria.

“We (Lagos State) have the highest numbers of athletes in Team Nigeria going to Los Angeles, we will continue to support the team even in years to come,” Whenu said.

“Be good ambassadors of the country, give your best and represent Nigeria well.”

National Director, Special Olympics Nigeria, Naomi Saliu-Lawal, revealed that a vocational package had been put in place to engage the participants after the games.

“We have signed a sustainability project with one of our sponsors in various vocational training for the athletes,” she said.

Team Nigeria featured in the 2006 and 2010 editions, winning 49 medals at the last edition.

About 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 nations are expected to compete in 25 Olympic-type sports.

Credit: Kazeem Busari/Punch