The Southeast is set to host its first-ever Para Powerlifting Championship, an initiative designed to discover and nurture new talents across the region.
The two-day event, scheduled for October 23 to 24, will take place at the indoor sports hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
It is organized and sponsored by Chiemeka Charles Ezenwanne, President of the Nigerian Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF).
Speaking ahead of the competition, Ezenwanne said the decision to host the maiden edition in Enugu was driven by his passion to identify and empower young para-athletes, giving them opportunities to compete at both national and international levels.
“This program is about discovering raw talents in our communities people who can become champions and lift their families out of poverty. We have potential athletes everywhere, and this competition will help us bring them into the national team,” he stated.
The NPPF President emphasized that the event is a personal initiative, not funded by the government or the federation, but fueled by his love for the sport and his commitment to youth development in the Southeast.
“I’m doing this because I love the game and want my zone to be active again. We used to have strong athletes like Lucy Ejike and Esther Oyema, who brought glory to Nigeria, but interest from the states has declined over the years,” he lamented.
Ezenwanne expressed concern that several Southeast states, including Anambra and Ebonyi, currently have no active para powerlifters competing nationally. He urged state governments to invest in the sport and support athletes with the needed infrastructure and training facilities.
Highlighting the federation’s record of excellence, he noted that Nigeria’s para powerlifters remain among the country’s most successful athletes globally.
“At the last Olympics, we won two gold and two silver medals. And at the recent championship in Egypt, our team returned with eight gold, four silver, and four bronze medals,” he revealed.
This year’s event is themed “Discover, Develop, and Adjust”, reflecting the mission to identify and train the next generation of champions who will build on the achievements of the region’s sporting legends.
Ezenwanne also called on corporate organizations to support para powerlifting as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR), adding that similar talent-hunt programs would soon be extended to other regions across Nigeria.
“In the entire Southeast, Enugu and Abia have just one powerlifting bench each. We can’t grow with such limited equipment. If private sponsors come in, we can change lives and make Nigeria proud,” he appealed.
“Para powerlifting remains Nigeria’s pride. Whenever we go for competitions, we return with medals. All we need is support,” he concluded.
According to the organizers, governors of the Southeast states, sports commissioners, and other sports stakeholders are expected to grace the championship as special guests of honour.
Chibuike Peter
