As the 2024 Lagos blind sports fiesta winds down at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, Ogo-Oluwa will lock horns with Mercy team at the grand finale of the Goalball event as Golden Babes emerged Champions in the women’s category.
It has been an interesting multi-sports showpiece, providing a dynamic platform for the visually impaired athletes to showcase their inherent talents, arouse interest and continues to hone their skills as they look forward to take the sports to the high pedestal.
In the men’s Goalball semifinals, Ogo-Oluwa defeated Storm Troopers 9-5 to qualify for the final while Mercy team in a slight margin edged past Dominion 9-8 to compete for the covetous title in the competition.
Meanwhile, Golden Babes defeated Diamond Beauty 13-10 and Victory Babes 8-4 to top the log in a round robin format.
Adedeji Grace, a female Goalball player, described the game as very interesting and something that gives her the opportunity to participate in sports despite her visual impairments. She said her condition will not deter her ambition of becoming a better player with the interest shown to further take it even beyond the state level.
Adigun Monsuru said participating in goalball confirmed their abilities to also take part in what other able body persons are doing because the platform have given them the right opportunities to showcase their talents in different sports. Monsuru added that as a visually impaired athlete he can also do what other people are doing in sports while commending the state government for creating the right avenue to participate in sporting activities.
Another female player, Mmadu Jenifer stated that she has been practicing goalball for the past six months and with the support from the state government and sports commission will encourage her and other members of the team to dedicate more time to the blind sports. An elated Jenifer vowed that she will not relent in her effort in playing goalball as it gives her joy participating in the blind sports fiesta.
Speaking on the rationale behind the Lagos Blind Sports Fiesta, Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu reiterated that it’s a testament to the fact that Lagos is a state that’s deliberate about inclusivity, very committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in its developmental process and approach including sports.
Fatodu said THEMES + agenda speaks to the opportunity that is open to everybody regardless of race, physical condition and background. “That’s what is manifesting in what we are doing with blind sports. And so much more will be coming from the sports commission”,said DG LSSC.
