A para-athlete, Bilikis Abolore AbdulKadir, has unveiled the BAZKKAM Para Sports Academy in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Academy is designed to nurture and empower physically challenged individuals through sports.

At the Academy’s commissioning, Abolore, a former board member of the Kwara State Sports Commission, highlighted the transformative power of sports for persons with disabilities.

“Sporting activities bring out their potential, give them mental alertness, and keep them off the streets,” she said.

She made a passionate appeal to parents, urging them not to hide their children with disabilities but instead encourage them to embrace opportunities that could shape their future.

Drawing from her personal journey, she emphasised resilience and the importance of support systems.

The executive chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mal. Bolakale Magaji commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards inclusivity and grassroots sports development in the state.

He encouraged parents to strike a balance between education and sports in nurturing their children.

Also speaking, Coach Abdulkadir Abdulkadir, the founder’s husband, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their support.

He noted that the academy would foster a strong sense of belonging among physically challenged individuals while also developing talent.

He further acknowledged that the vision behind the academy was inspired by his wife’s personal experiences, as well as the support received from the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The BAZKKAM Para Sports Academy will focus on training in para-table tennis and para-athletics, offering a platform for athletes to discover and develop their abilities.(LEADERSHIP)