BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU
The Rev. (Amb) Samuel Ikpea, who is the Vice President cum Acting President of the Cerebral Palsy Football Association of Nigeria (CPFAN), has called for support ahead of the globally celebrated World Cerebral Palsy Day which comes up on October 6 annually.
Ikpea who spoke about the forthcoming event which affects sportsmen and women with disability says football will be at the centre stage as there are plans on ground to organize a symposium for the cerebral palsy athletes in Lagos.
“We are making plans to organize a symposium for them in Lagos” Ikpea started. “The symposium which is tagged: Introduction To CP Football In Nigeria, is in line with the FIFA President’s earlier call to use football as a tool for uniting”.
“The persons whom this event is organized for are people living with disability and disability does not deprive one from being a champion and that is the reason they should be encouraged” Ikpea added.
”We are therefore calling on corporate organizations and individuals to give their support towards this celebration so that the people whom we are celebrating their day will appreciate the fact that love can be extended to them on a day set aside for them all over the world”.
The term Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of conditions that affect movement and posture. It’s caused by damage that occurs to the developing brain, most often before birth. Symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years and vary from very mild to serious.
Ikpea, who sponsored the first ever Cerebral Palsy Soccer Tournament, tagged ‘Super 4” in Lagos further, stated that the October 6th, 2024 celebration will take place at 114 Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lagos by 10am prompt.