The Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria has earmarked N5 million as prize money for winners at the forthcoming Sir Victor Ochei International Wheelchair Basketball Championship scheduled to hold betweenSeptember 19 -24 at the Molade Okoya Thomas Sports of Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Disclosing this Thursday at a media parley heralding the 5th edition of the championship sponsored by the former speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, was the president, Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria, Bukola Olopade, who having commended the sponsor informed that 15 states within the federation have signified intention to participate while three countries -Ghana, Benin Republic and Cameroon are being expected.
He added that para military teams might be part of this year’s edition .
According to the former Commissioner for Youth and Sport in Ogun State,the championship would also not only help discover new talents but will also put the national Under 23 team in shape ahead of the forthcoming U23 World Cup elimination holding in Durban, South Africa between October 1-8.
He said all is ready for this years edition and that fifteen states and three countries from the West Africa-Ghana, Benin Republic and Cameroon will participate, adding that paramilitary team are been expected.
He also informed that the federation will subsidize feeding allowance of all the participating teams as a way of motivation.
“Let me use this opportunity to express appreciation to the sponsor Sir Victor Ochei, who after leaving office as Speaker Delta House of Assembly still sponsor the championship. This really shows that he is committed to the Special athletes and the development of the game in the country. He has been our sole sponsor to major international championship and wants to assure that this years edition would be bigger,”Olopade said.
