The 2024 edition of Lagos Blind Sports Fiesta commenced on Monday at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
Not less than 92 participants are taking part in the five-day fiesta organised to reawaken the hope of participants, preparing visually impaired athletes for the subsequent competitions and promoting a sense of belonging
Blind Powerlifting, blind judo, Goalball, and Ayo Olopon are sports featured for the year’s event as part of the mandate of Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s in promoting inclusivity and showcases people living with disabilities in different sporting areas.
Blind Powerlifting took the center stage on day one, as 12 male athletes participated in three events; squat, bench, and dead lift in five different categories; 67Kg, 75Kg, 82Kg, 90kg and 102Kg.
In 67kg, Oladele Sunday took the 1st postion with 385 kg. Samuel Ige came 2nd with 345 kg while Omishola Abiodun came 3rd with 280 kg in all events. In 75 kg, Oko Dennis came 1st with 385 kg while Tope Orimolade came 2nd with 370 kg in all events. In 82 kg, Ojemen Cyril came 1st with 420 kg. Tijani Taofeeq came 2nd with 360 kg while Adeola Akande came 3rd with 290 kg. In 90 kg, Ajibade Sodiq came 1st with 480 kg while Adeyemi Adeseye came 2nd with 400 kg in all events. While in 102Kg, Eze Samuel came 1st with 385 kg while Emmanuel Okoawo came 2nd with 230 kg in all events.
Adeyemi Adeseye, who participated in all three events, said the fiesta is another opportunity for him to improve the level of his performance in blind sports. Adeseye thanked the Lagos state government for the opportunity created for the visually impaired athletes to move forward in the world of blind sports.
One of the athletes, Sunday Oladele, was full of praises for participating in the fiesta as part of the competitions that will keep him going forward as an athlete to achieve his desire in sports.
He commended the Lagos state government for the privilege giving to them to participate in the competition.
The Blind Sports Fiesta ends on Friday, November 22.