Rare sporting skills and athleticism were on display at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Centre in Lagos, where the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind held its 26th annual sports day for the blind last Thursday, PRIMANEWS Sport Extra reports.
Organised by the Vocational Training Centre for the Blind, which is an arm of the society, the sports day featured about 50 students of the institution divided into two houses for five events on D-day namely; march past, 50m race, skittle game, walking race and tug of war.
Events like shot put and long jump were already decided during the heats.
In his remark, the chairman of the executive council of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind, Fusi Akinkugbe underscored the importance of sporting activities for the students.
“A healthy mind best operates in a healthy body. This is why sports is so important to us and is an integral part of our rehabilitation programme. Apart from the physical benefits, trainees also learn teamwork and collaboration through sporting activities,” Akinkugbe said.
Also, the Chairman Board of Governors of the Vocational Training Centre, Ayopeju Njideaka lauded the trainees for their enthusiasm for the event.
“Sports as we all know are not just about competition, they are about pushing boundaries, building resilience, and fostering a sense of unity and belonging. I would like to take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of our trainees. Your enthusiasm and commitment to participating in the event are truly inspiring. You remind us all that we can overcome any obstacle,” she noted.
Olanrewaju Daramola, the founder of Daramola Dynasty Foundation, a philanthropic organisation dedicated to empowering communities and promoting inclusivity, added, “Every human being should be allowed to hone their talents and skills and become anything they want to be. Any form of disability should not impede achieving your dreams.”
At the end of the competition, House Red came tops with a total of 126 points, beating House Blue which had 116 points by 10 points.
Some of the trainees relished memories of the sports day and how it has fuelled their passion for sports.
“Actually, they know me as a good runner, that was why they were cheering me on and I came first. It was an assurance I gave to them. Although I have been training before I came to the school, but I joined this school to get additional vocational training as well and I’m working hard to represent Nigeria one day,” Olanrewaju Solafunmi of House Blue said.
Tijani Mutiu of House Red also said, “I feel excited because this kind of experience is once in a lifetime. This is my second year and I thank God for the wonderful initiative, if not for them, I won’t be able to do something due to my visual impairment”
The Vocational Training Centre for the Blind runs a two-year training and rehabilitation course for blind adults and adolescents and covers subjects including braille writing and reading, music, handicraft, computer training, and entrepreneurial studies among others.
