By Joel Ajayi

A philanthropist and sports enthusiast, Kingsley Iwodi, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities by rewarding participants with cash gifts and promising continued investment in inclusive sports development in Nigeria.

Iwodi made this known at the ongoing Kingsley Iwodi Para Powerlifting Open Championship, organised in Abuja by the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation for physically challenged athletes.

Speaking during the event weekend in Abuja he explained that his decision to provide additional cash rewards during the second phase of prize distribution was inspired by compassion and the desire to ensure that every athlete went home with something meaningful.

According to him, the gesture was a personal initiative aimed at encouraging the athletes and appreciating their dedication, resilience, and commitment throughout the competition. He noted that although the support was modest, it would go a long way in motivating the participants.

“I have a special place in my heart for people with disabilities. I felt that by coming for the event, they deserved to take something home. That was why I decided we should add extra prizes for them,” he said.

Iwodi, who has previously invested in sports infrastructure by renovating one of the training pitches at the National Stadium to meet international standards, said giving back to society has always been part of his way of life.“I believe in giving back to society through love, and love is what has brought us together. That is just the way I live,” he stated.

When asked if the initiative would be a one-off intervention, he assured athletes and stakeholders that future editions would follow. He also disclosed plans to partner with friends, business associates, and other well-meaning Nigerians to sustain the programme.

“Of course, this will continue because I love what I am seeing. I saw the passion in them and how they gave their best. It motivates us to do more. I also have friends I can talk to, so together we can keep supporting them and help them feel a sense of belonging,” he added.

Iwodi lamented that athletes with disabilities are often neglected despite their immense talents and determination, stressing the need for society to create platforms that showcase their abilities while rewarding excellence.

“These athletes are amazing. They are talented and deserve more opportunities. We need to keep engaging them, supporting them, and helping to make life better for them,” he said.

He also expressed satisfaction with the level of competition and organisation, describing the performances of the athletes as highly impressive.

He however dolled out total sum of 5.4 million to 120 podium spots across 20 weight categories will be paid, with winners in each class taking home N100,000. Second place earns N70,000, third gets N50,000, while 4th, 5th, and 6th place finishers will receive N30,000, N15,000, and N7,000 respectively.

*Prize Breakdown:*  – *1st Place:* N100,000 x 20 categories = N2,000,000  – *2nd Place:* N70,000 x 20 categories = N1,400,000  – *3rd Place:* N50,000 x 20 categories = N1,000,000  – *4th Place:* N30,000 x 20 categories = N600,000  – *5th Place:* N15,000 x 20 categories = N300,000  – *6th Place:* N7,000 x 20 categories = N140,000  – *Total Prize Purse:* N5,440,000

Also speaking, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation, Ruel Isiaku, praised the introduction of prize money for athletes, describing it as a landmark development that would boost morale and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in global para sports.

He revealed that over 40 athletes are participating in the championship across 20 categories, made up of 10 male and 10 female events.

According to him, the tournament has attracted some of Nigeria’s finest para-athletes, including world champions, Paralympic champions, Commonwealth medalists, and African record holders.

Isiaku said the major objective of the competition is to discover hidden talents, improve athlete performance, and keep competitors motivated through regular participation.

“This competition is meant to showcase talents and help athletes improve through continuous training and competition,” he noted.Speaking on the future of para sports in Nigeria, he stressed that regular competitions remain the lifeblood of athlete development.

“If athletes do not have competitions, they will ask themselves what they are training for. But when competitions are available, they stay motivated and train harder,” he said.

He specially commended Kingsley Iwodi for introducing prize money up to the sixth position—an unprecedented move in the history of the sport in Nigeria.

He added that increased sponsorship and consistent support would help Nigeria reclaim and maintain its place among the world’s leading para sports nations.

“With more sponsorship like this, sincerely speaking, Nigeria will continue to rank among the best in the world, just as we have done before,” he concluded.

Athlete Hails Championship as HistoricOne of the athletes, Emmanuel Ugwu from Plateau State, described the competition as historic and life-changing, saying para-athletes in Nigeria have never experienced such support in over two decades.

Ugwu expressed gratitude to the organisers, the Sports Commission, and Kingsley Iwodi for creating a platform that empowers athletes with disabilities and promotes inclusion through sports.

According to him, the championship, which began in April and will end on May 4, is the first of its kind in his more than 20 years as a para powerlifter.

“No, we have never experienced anything like this before. This is truly a miracle. Since I have been a para powerlifter for over 20 years, this is the first of its kind,” he said.

He thanked the organisers and sponsor on behalf of all participating athletes for giving them hope and recognition.

“I want to use this medium to express our gratitude as athletes to the Sports Commission for giving us this platform and also to Mr. Kingsley for sponsoring this competition,” Ugwu stated.

Sending a strong message to persons living with disabilities, Ugwu said physical limitations should never define anyone’s future, stressing that greatness lies in the mind and determination of the individual.

“My message to everyone, especially people living with disabilities, is that the mind is the man. There is more to what you can do beyond physical appearance, and there is ability in disability,” he said.

He also appealed to other wealthy Nigerians and corporate organisations to emulate the sponsor by investing in para sports development.

Ugwu added that consistent competitions and sponsorship would help Nigeria maintain its dominance in para powerlifting across Africa and the world.