By Dipo Olowookere
Heritage Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to promoting sports in Nigeria, in partnership with Para-Powerlifting Federation to host the Lagos 2019 International Para-Powerlifting Competition.
The competition which about 10 countries have indicated interest to attend is billed for January 24-31, 2019.
The MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, commended the Para – Powerlifting Federation of Nigeria for bringing the competition to Nigeria as well as the Lagos State Government for playing a leading role in the development of sports in the country.
Mr Sekibo who was represented by Ozena Utulu, Head of Brand Management of Heritage Bank also recalled the support it received from the Lagos State government when it organised the Skoolimpics, its signature sporting event with more than 6,000 students from over 600 public and private secondary schools from the six educational districts of Lagos Sate in attendance at the three-day sporting fiesta held in 2017.
Skoolimpics was an idea conceived to bring into being a national sports festival for young people in secondary schools aimed at helping the country discover young talents that will re-ignite the spirit of excellence in competitive and recreational sports.
The idea was intended to be a holistic development of young people in order to foster their physical, social and emotional wellbeing. It is a well-known fact that physical education and sports help in character and community building, delinquency reduction, community safety, economic and social development.
In her address of welcome, the President of Para-Powerlifting Federation of Nigeria, Mrs Queen Uboh, noted that the Nigerian Para Powerlifters had always made the nation proud by winning medals and most times topping the medals table at every competition they attended.
She said under her leadership within one year, the federation had won several medals and broken new world records at the Commonwealth Games and other major championships and got the hosting right for the first time for an International Para Powerlifting Competition in Nigeria.
Others are the federation being a proud owner of the only Spartan Wheelchair Accessible Van in Nigeria, courtesy of FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, makers of Peak Milk, purchased brand new training and competition equipment for the Para Powerlifters as well as secured more corporate sponsors and partners for it.
Also speaking, the Marketing Manager of FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, makers of Peak Milk, Maureen Ifada lauded the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Solomon Dalong for approving the partnership between Peak Milk and the Nigerian Paralympics team since February 2017.
She said the company decision to partner with the team was in line with its brand’s promise to enable and empower its teeming consumers reach their peak, regardless of any limitations. The marketing manager said the company was committed to a three-pronged partnership with the unstoppable team in food nutritional support, gym refurbishment and procurement of training equipment and the amplification of their success story to the entire nation.
Modupe Gbadeyanka