Team Nigeria storms Brazil for Deaflympics as Deaf Sports Federation boss hails Dare
By George Aluo
Nigeria is set to participate in the 24th Summer Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil from 1-15 May, 2022.
Team Nigeria’s athletes and officials are billed to depart Abuja today aboard Ethiopia airline.
Nigeria intends to participate in Atheltics and Table Tennis.
The FG has approved and released funds to enable the team to travel.
President of Deaf Sports Federation
Dagbo Suleiman Saka was full of praise for Sports Minister Sunday Dare for facilitating the trip.
“We thank the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare for the approval,” Saka said.
The Deaf Sports Federation boss disclosed that 38 athletes and officials were initially shortlisted for the Deaflympics before it was pruned down based on funds available.
For clarity Deaflympics is the World Games for the Deaf similar to the Olympics and Paralympics for the able-bodied and Para athletes. Nigeria debuted at the 21st Summer Deaflympics in Taipei Taiwan in 2009 and won two silver medals. Nigeria also participated in the 22nd Edition of Deaflympics held in Sofia Bulgaria and won a bronze medal in 2017.
Saka stressed that his athletes won’t disappoint in Brazil, given how determined they are.
“Our target is to win medals at the Deaflympics. We wouldn’t disappoint as our athletes are serious and determined,” he said.
