The third and final day of the JDS Ability Sport 2024 concluded in grand style on December 6th, 2024, at the prestigious Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort. The event, which celebrated sporting excellence and inclusion among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), witnessed thrilling competitions and inspiring victories.
The day’s activities kicked off at 8:00 am with the Para Tennis finals, where Chika Eweren claimed the gold medal, defeating Afuape Bisoye, who secured silver. By 9:00 am, the Goalball final saw Team Ogbomoso triumph over Oyo, earning gold medals and gift packs for each player. The action-packed day continued at 10:00 am with the Blind Soccer finals, as Ogbomoso once again showcased their dominance, defeating Ibadan to win the gold medal, cup, and individual prizes.
Highlights of Winners Across Events:
- Tug of War: Male (Ogbomoso), Female (Oyo)
- Wheelchair Race: Male (Joel Olaiye), Female (Kasali Grace)
- Bottle Knockdown: Male (Ibadan), Female (Oyo)
- Powerlifting: Gold (Toyosi Osewa), Silver (Ferdinard Rita)
- Goalball: Ogbomoso (Male and Female)
- Para Tennis:*Gold (Chika Eweren), Silver (Afuape Bisoye), Bronze (Helen Onigbe and Christianah Olowolagba)
- Blind Soccer: Ogbomoso
Medals, cash prizes, and gift items were awarded to all winners, with allowances extended to players, coaches, officials, and volunteers. Participants expressed gratitude for the seamless organization and the platform to showcase their talents.
Bar. Ayodele Adekanbi, Director-General of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, personally presented awards and prizes, applauding the exceptional efforts of the participants. He extended profound appreciation to Chief Eng. Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the sole sponsor and visionary behind the event, for his unwavering commitment to disability inclusion through sports.
As the event drew to a close, participants departed to their various destinations, carrying home not just trophies but memories of camaraderie, empowerment, and celebration.
The success of JDS Ability Sport 2024 reaffirms Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s dedication to inclusive sports and the empowerment of PWDs, setting a remarkable precedent for future events.