Nigeria WheelChair Softball Association Begins Three Day International Clinic In Lagos

As part of it’s plans to develop the knowledge and skills of athletes and coaches in wheelchair Softball, the Nigeria Wheelchair Softball Association in conjunction with Paralympic Committee of Nigeria has begun a three day clinic and training in Lagos

The clinic which started Sunday, 24th May, 2026 and to end on the 27th is being handled by experts of the game led by the World President John Teegarden from the United States.

The high powered delegation from the United States which includes; Damon Isles, Joe Lemnar, Jason Stine and Nick Pryor are to teach Nigerians how to play the game, rules and regulations of the sports, coaching techniques and strategy, player development and inclusion, practical sessions and drills and game management,

Speaking at a press conference to herald the clinic, the Present of the world body, John Teegarden who led the delegation, said that they’re happy coming to Nigeria to interact with the athletes and coaches and impact knowledge about the sports to them, just as he stated that Nigeria boosts of talented athletes who when given adequate exposure, will challenge for podium finish at international competitions.

” We’ re very happy to be here and the warm reception accorded to us since we arrived Nigeria. Our mission is part of our efforts to take wheelchair Softball to Africa and during our stay, we’re going to impact the basic principles of the game to athletes and coaches and I hope they will benefit immensely from the programme”, he stated.

He noted that they’re happy coming to Nigeria, expressing the hope that their visit will achieve the desired objectives of making wheelchair Softball a household name in the biggest country in Africa.

In his opening speech , President of Nigeria Wheelchair Softball Association Dr. Sunday Odior expressed gratitude to the world body for identifying with the country in their plans of developing the sports in Africa, noting that right now through the efforts of Nigeria, the game has been introduced to eight African countries and efforts are being made to introduce it in all the 54 African countries.

Dr. Odior who also doubles as the 2nd Vice President of Africa Wheelchair Softball Association, commended the world body for donating equipment to the country, which he hope will go a long way in moving the game forward just as he called on government and corporate organizations to help in the development of the sports.

“I’m highly excited with the visit of the world body led by no less a person than the World President. They not only came to impact knowledge of the sports to our coaches and athletes, but came with some equipment that will enhance the development of the sports.

“They deserve special commendation because they bought their flight tickets and paid for their hotels. It should also be noted that this is not the first time they’re supporting us with equipment.

” Two years ago, when we hosted Ghana for the first international competition in Africa, they sent us 12 balls and six bats which was brought back by our Vice President Tobo Agbogidi, when he travelled to the United States.They have many equipment for us but the cost of shipping it is the problem and that’s why am calling for corporate and government support.

“They have also promised to send more equipment to us by August/September after their World series which will be of great assistance to us”, explained Dr. Odior, a senior lecturer at the National Institute For Sports.

Event coordinators, Jude Uwazie, the African President and Dotu Bakare Technical Director Africa Wheelchair Softball Association in separate interviews expressed happiness with the clinic which they hope will sharpen the skills of both coaches and athletes in the sport.

According to United States of America based Uwazie, who is the founder of the sports in Nigeria, no effort will be sparred in moving the game forward, positing that himself and Bakare, also based in the United States, will always work towards the development of the sports to enable Nigerian athletes win medals at Paralympic Games and other international championships.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of different wheelchair soft ball equipment to the association.

The clinic continues today at the parking space of SWAN Secretariat, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.