The Foluke Michael Sports Foundation (Folmus) is set to host a four-team wheelchair basketball invitational tournament in Lagos, aimed at promoting inclusive sports and empowering athletes with disabilities. The event will take place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, from November 15 to 17, 2024.
Participating Teams
Four teams will compete in the tournament, including two from Lagos and one each from Abuja and Ibadan. The teams are expected to showcase their skills and compete for the top prize. The tournament is designed to provide a platform for wheelchair basketball players to demonstrate their abilities and foster camaraderie among participants.
Objectives of the Tournament
According to Foluke Michael, founder of Folmus, the tournament aims to raise awareness about the capabilities of persons with disabilities and to encourage their inclusion in sports. She emphasized that wheelchair basketball is a sport that requires agility, teamwork, and strategy, and that the tournament will help to change perceptions about disability.
Michael also stated that the foundation is committed to providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities to excel and to inspire others. The tournament will feature not only competitive matches but also training sessions and workshops for coaches and officials.
Support and Sponsorship
The event has received support from the Lagos State Sports Commission and several corporate sponsors. The foundation hopes that the tournament will become an annual event, attracting more teams and participants in the future. Michael called on other organizations to support similar initiatives to promote inclusive sports in Nigeria.
Impact on Athletes
Participants expressed excitement about the tournament, noting that it provides a rare opportunity to compete at a high level. Many of them have faced challenges in accessing training facilities and equipment, and they hope that the tournament will lead to more investment in wheelchair sports.
The Folmus wheelchair basketball invitational tournament is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive sports environment in Nigeria. By providing a platform for athletes with disabilities, the foundation is helping to break down barriers and promote equality in sports.
