Introduction to the National Inclusive Sports Festival
Some stakeholders, in collaboration with the House of Representatives Committee on Persons with Disabilities (PWD), have resolved to organise a National Inclusive Sports Festival for PWDs. The stakeholders, including Afestac Media, Advocates for Global Peace Forum International, the Association of Accessibility Professionals, and Big C Real Estate and Property, unveiled the plan in Abuja.
The PWD’s Potentials Unhinged Project (PP-UP)
The sports festival is one of the initiatives under the PWD’s Potentials Unhinged Project (PP-UP), aimed at promoting inclusivity. In his remarks, the Project Director of PP-UP, Mr Valentine Zhyon, stated that the project was designed to ensure the welfare, empowerment, and well-being of PWDs across Nigeria. He explained that the project comprised five sections.
Sections of the PP-UP
The first section is a nationwide medical outreach for PWDs, followed by PWD-got-talent, a platform where PWDs can showcase their skills and win prizes. The third section is the Unlimited Television Reality Show, where a champion will emerge after a series of evictions. Additionally, there is the One Stage Africa section, which gives PWDs the chance to perform alongside global artists. Finally, the project includes the National Inclusive Sports Festival, where PWDs will compete in events like the marathon and other sports for prizes.
Support from the House Committee on PWDs
The Chairman of the House Committee on PWDs, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu (APC-Lagos), commended the initiative. He emphasised that in other countries, PWDs enjoyed extensive social welfare and empowerment, with some even pretending to be PWDs to benefit from the system. Dawodu stressed the importance of viewing PWDs through the lens of empowerment rather than pity, noting that the committee was focused on this perspective.
Commitment to Enforcing Laws
He also highlighted that anyone could become a PWD in an instant and emphasised the importance of ensuring that policies support them. He further explained that the National Assembly had passed a law to ensure easy access to public buildings, employment quotas for PWDs, and the protection of their rights. He expressed the House’s commitment to enforcing these laws and supporting activities that enhanced the well-being of PWDs.
Partnership and Support
The lawmaker commended the stakeholders for their efforts and expressed hope that their strength and commitment would continue to grow, improving life for PWDs across Nigeria. He assured them of the House’s continued support. Dr Joachim Aforjama, Managing Director of Big C Real Estate and Property, also pledged support for the festival, emphasising his firm’s reputation for backing sports and welfare initiatives.
Conclusion
The organisation of the National Inclusive Sports Festival is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and empowering PWDs in Nigeria. With the support of the House Committee on PWDs and other stakeholders, the festival is expected to provide a platform for PWDs to showcase their skills and talents, and to promote a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.
FAQs
- What is the National Inclusive Sports Festival?
The National Inclusive Sports Festival is an initiative under the PWD’s Potentials Unhinged Project (PP-UP), aimed at promoting inclusivity and empowering PWDs in Nigeria. - What are the sections of the PP-UP?
The PP-UP comprises five sections: nationwide medical outreach, PWD-got-talent, Unlimited Television Reality Show, One Stage Africa, and the National Inclusive Sports Festival. - What is the role of the House Committee on PWDs in the festival?
The House Committee on PWDs is committed to enforcing laws that support PWDs and has pledged to support the festival and other activities that enhance the well-being of PWDs. - What is the expected outcome of the festival?
The festival is expected to provide a platform for PWDs to showcase their skills and talents, and to promote a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.
Source: nannews.ng
