By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The grand opening ceremony of the 3rd National Para Sports Festival, scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, 2026 is gathering momentum.
The festival, a flagship event in Nigeria’s para sports calendar, will bring together athletes with disabilities from across the country to compete in a wide range of sporting events, showcasing resilience, talent and the unifying power of sports.
The opening ceremony events will be led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, alongside the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade. The leadership of the Commission stated that the Games represents Nigeria’s strong commitment to the development and promotion of inclusive sports.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Hon. Olopade emphasized that the event is about celebrating courage, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of athletes. The festival is expected to feature events across multiple disciplines, including athletics, wheelchair basketball, para powerlifting and amputee football.
The National Para Sports Festival serves as a critical platform for talent discovery, athlete development and preparation for international competitions, including qualifiers for global events sanctioned by bodies such as International Paralympic Committee.
It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader agenda of promoting inclusivity, equal opportunity and social integration through sports, Olopade added.
The National Sports Commission invites all stakeholders, partners and the general public to be part of this historic event to support the growth of para sports in the country.
