History of Nigeria in Paralympics
Paralympics Games is one of the most populous sports/ games worldwide being an international event which comprises of various ranges of athletes with disabilities such as vision impairment, limb deficiency, and intellectual disability, deaf or hard of hearing, physical disability, the impaired passive range of movement, and impaired muscle power.
Paralympics Games are held immediately after Olympic Games, and all Paralympics Games are governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) which is a non-profit organization and the governing body for the Paralympic Movement nationwide.
Nigeria first participated in Paralympics Game at the 1992 Summer Paralympics held in Barcelona with six athletes competing in track and field, powerlifting and table tennis event claiming three gold medals. They made their second appearance in the 2000 Summer Paralympics held in Sidney also claiming 7 gold medals in the competition and since then, have been in participation till date with their skilful disabled athletes representing them in Paralympics tournaments.
Nigeria has recorded about 22 gold medals, 11 silver, and 12 bronze in the Paralympics games so far and still counting. The number of athlete and nations participating in the Paralympics Games which are also part of the Paralympic Movement is constantly increasing. This particular sport for individuals with a disability is rapidly progressing in Nigeria sports and games as well.
