A member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency, Mr Akintunde Rotimi Jr., has donated N700,000 to the Ekiti Para Athletics team ahead of the National Sports Festival.
This was disclosed in a statement by Blessing Akinyemi, Media Officer for Para Athletics, on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.
Akinyemi explained that Rotimi, who also serves as Chairman of the Ekiti State Para Athletics Association, is deeply committed to the welfare and success of the state team at the festival.
He added that this support is in addition to the official sponsorship already provided by the Ekiti State Government.
The funds have been disbursed as personal grants directly to members of the contingent, covering both athletes and support staff.
Members of the team and their events include Oguntuase Mary (Shot Put), Araomo Oladapo (Shot Put), Olaniyi Joshua (Shot Put and Discus), Rotawo Segun (100m and Shot Put – Blind category), Lawal Saliu (Shot Put), Ajayi David (Discus, Shot Put and Javelin), Adetolu Christian (Shot Put), Ajimati Modupe (Discus and Shot Put), Taiwo Olasunkanmi (Discus), and Asaolu Reuben (Javelin).
The contingent will be led by Head Coach Ojo Peter, under whose guidance the team is expected to bring pride to the state.
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Rotimi was appointed Chairman of the Ekiti State Para Athletics Association by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, with the mandate to revitalise para-sports in the state.
His appointment aims to foster talent discovery and improve the welfare of athletes with disabilities across Ekiti.
The 22nd National Sports Festival is scheduled to take place from 16 to 30 May in Ogun State.
In a goodwill message to the team, Rotimi said, “This grant is a token of my belief in you, our heroes of resilience. You have demonstrated that ability transcends disability.
“As you represent Ekiti at the Gateway Games, go with courage, pride, and return with glory.”
