The Bayelsa State Para contingents to the recently concluded National Para Games in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, were received by Sen. Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State.
In a touching gesture, Governor Diri gave the Para Athletes special recognition yesterday during the State Prosperity Weekly Exercise, after Bayelsa State secured first place with 30 gold, 24 silver, and 20 bronze medals.
During his speech, Governor Diri praised them for their outstanding performance, saying that their accomplishments were gratifying and that they had made the State and the Ijaw Nation proud.
He emphasized that they were able to demonstrate that there is ability in disability, even in spite of their current physical circumstances.
“Congratulations on behalf of your State on winning the Para Games twice in a row. You have brought a very good image to Bayelsa,” he said. “All over Nigeria they know in Para Games you can’t challenge Bayelsa State, so we want to thank you and urge you to keep it up because you have done it twice and next year would be better.”
He called the Para Athletes exceptional athletes and mentioned that, like all other sportsmen who have made the state proud, they will be formally hosted by the State Government at Government House.
“And just like we do with all the athletic activities, yours won’t be different; we’ll reward you at a suitable time, just like we do with other athletes,” Diri emphasized. “A state government that neglects its own impoverished citizens is a bad government. If, in spite of all your difficulties, you are able to make us proud, then we cannot treat you like second-class citizens; you are first-class.”
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Among the government officials and political appointees present at the exuberant medal presentation were Sir Braveman Wodi, the Director of Sports for the Bayelsa State Sports Council, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, Tare Porri, the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Daniel Igali.
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