By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially constituted the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 3rd edition of the National Para Games, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and continued development of para sports in Nigeria.
The National Para Games is an annual multi-sport event organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the NSC. The Games provide a competitive platform for Nigerian men and women living with disabilities, promoting excellence, healthy competition, and national unity through sports.
The Commission has now constituted a 13-member Local Organising Committee made up of men and women of integrity to deliver a world-class Games.
The Committee is chaired by the Director, National Sports Festival and Para Sports Department, Mrs. Thecla Opara, while Mrs. Hauwa Saibu, serves as Secretary.
Other members of the Committee include Raphael Odo, Mohammed Rabiu, Abdullahi Libata, Lambu Umar, Dr. Ozi Salami, Kola Daniel Adeyanju, Lanre Ogunjobi, Ebidowei Oweife, Issa Suleiman and Asaba Pius.
The leadership of the Commission has mandated the Committee to deliver the Games under an atmosphere of fair play and sportsmanship, in line with global best practices, as preparations intensify towards what promises to be another landmark edition of the National Para Games.
The sports earmarked for the 3rd National Para Games include Amputee Football, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Canoe, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, Para Soccer, Para Swimming, Para Taekwondo, Para Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Tennis.
The 3rd National Para Games is scheduled to hold from 26th March to 3rd April, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the same venue that hosted the previous editions.
The maiden edition in 2022 featured over 4,000 para-athletes from 21 states competing across 15 sports, with Bayelsa State emerging overall champions.
The second edition expanded participation to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Bayelsa State again clinching the championship title.
The National Sports Festival and Para Sports Department coordinates the Games in collaboration with the Nigeria Paralympic Committee (NPC) and other stakeholders to ensure smooth organization and alignment with international standards.
