3rd National Para Games Set To lighten Up Abuja, As Over 3,000 Athletes Compete For Glory
By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The stage is set for the 3rd National Para Games, Nigeria’s largest and most prestigious para sports event, scheduled to hold from March 26 to April 3, 2026, in Abuja.
For nine thrilling days, the nation’s capital will host more than 3,000 athletes representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, competing across 15 different events in a celebration of resilience, excellences and inclusion. Champions will rise. Records will fall. History will be made.
Organized by the National Sports Commission, the Games continue to serve as a powerful platform for talent discovery, national unity, and the advancement of para sports in Nigeria.
Since its inception, the National Para Games has grown into a defining event on the country’s sporting calendar, showcasing the extraordinary abilities of athletes living with disabilities and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity in sports.
The 2026 edition promises to surpass previous outings in scale, organization and competitive intensity. With participation from every state of the federation and the FCT, the Games will highlight the depth of talent spread across the country and provide a pathway for athletes to progress to continental and global competitions.
In a major boost to the successful hosting of the event, the National Youth Service Corps has partnered with the National Sports Commission by releasing its Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, to serve as the official Games Village.
The facility will house athletes and officials throughout the duration of the Games, ensuring a conducive, secure and community-focused environment.
This collaboration underscores a shared national vision to empower young Nigerians and promote social integration through sports. It also reflects a growing inter-agency commitment to supporting para athletes and strengthening Nigeria’s sports ecosystem Commonwealth Games qualifiers.
