Athletes have praised the smooth execution of the ongoing Africa Para Badminton Championship, being hosted at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.
Some athletes in separate interviews, said that they were impressed with the organisation and the top-notch facilities, which provided an excellent setting for them to compete.
Over 150 athletes from 12 countries are participating in the championship holding between Oct. 7 and Oct. 12.
The countries include Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Congo DR, Egypt, Mauritius, Mozambique, National Olympic Committee of Kenya, Rwanda, Tunisia, Zimbabwe and host Nigeria.
The event comes after the successful hosting of the First Abia Para Badminton International Tournament which held on Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, at the same venue.
Rima Abdelli from Tunisa, who said that it was her first time in Nigeria, described it as an amazing tournament.
Abdelli, who also participated in the first event, said she had made a lot of friends since she arrived because the people were friendly.
“We have good relationship among ourselves as players even though we are from different countries.
“The facilities here are world-class, the officiating is good, but I would like the organisers to improve on food by providing varieties because it is an international event,” she said.
Also, Benson Mutiso from Kenya who is also in Nigeria for the first time, described it as a very competitive championship with high level of participation.
“The tournament is well organised, the facilitators and volunteers are doing a very good job, there is a very smooth transition from the hotel to the venue.
“It is the first time it is being held in Nigeria and we look forward to having many tournaments like this in West Africa,” he said.
Another athlete from the Republic of Benin, Damien Ahonounkoun, commended the hosts for the excellent facilities and organisation.
“I also participated in the first event that featured Brazil, Peru, India and the rest and I must say that I’m highly impressed with what Nigeria has done,” he said.
The state government procured Nigeria’s first wheelchair-accessible badminton mats as well as a wheelchair-accessible bus to facilitate the transportation of the athletes with disabilities.
