Celebrate Our Paralympic Heroes
Bravo! Nigeria’s paralympians did not disappoint. COBHAM NSA celebrates the courageous men and women who dug deep to finish 12th on the medal log at the Summer Paralympics held between September 7 and 18, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Never in the history of any global sports fiesta has the Nigerian national anthem been played over and over again on a podium victory parade. But all that is now in the past; thanks to the quality representation and outstanding performances of our physically challenged athletes at Rio Paralympic Games hosted for the first time by a Latin American and South American city. In awesome excitement, the Nigerian anthem was rendered an unprecedented eight times over the public address system with the National flag reverently raised in celebration of massive gold medal feats by our great Paralympians. Always unheralded during preparations and eventual departure to most international competitions, our physically challenged athletes braved all odds to do it again, ably demonstrating that there is ability in disability. Where the able-bodied complain, kick and offer loads of excuses for their failed showing at competitions, the special athletes have always and continually stoop to conquer on all fronts. Hauling 12 medals and setting new world records in the process to announce Nigeria as the best-performing African contingent at the Games is certainly unparalleled and aptly demonstrates the true resilient Nigerian spirit. In the face of adversity, our special athletes showed ‘tenacity, dexterity, focus, determination and excellent sportsmanship in bringing glory to the country. This sterling feat is one that governments at all levels, sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike must not just stop at praise singing and mouthing celebrations of the Paralympians. There must be conscious and definitive efforts at creating conducive environment for these heroes to continue thriving towards glorious heights in their chosen fields now and in the future. No doubt, the doggedness and perseverance of the paralympians are solemn lessons in patriotism and sacrifice for our able bodied athletes. As sources of ‘inspiration and heightened hopes’, they truly display that Nigerian athletes are capable of world class exploits if they put their minds to it and things are also done right by the officials. Well done our heroes, Nigeria and Nigerians celebrate you and your impressive harvest of 12 medals, comprising eight (8) gold, two (2) silver and two (2) bronze in Rio to finish 12th on the Games’ final medal table. This is a great step up from the 22nd place finishing four years ago in London where Nigeria captured a total of 13 medals consisting of six (6) gold, five (5) silver and two bronze. Our history-making paralympians’ patriotic fervor finds best expression through the national anthem that takes into account the historical past as well as the aims and aspirations of the future generation. Certainly, these stars heeded the anthem’s behest to arise as compatriots and obey Nigeria’s call to serve their fatherland with love and strength and faith. So, the ball is now in our courts to appreciate them and reciprocate their patriotic gesture with great public and government goodwill Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics are less than one thousand, four hundred and fifty-three (1453) days away, and the time to start our preparations is now!