27th July, 2016
Sam Ikpea, National Adviser, Cerebral Palsy Football Association (CPFA), has tasked soccer enthusiasts across the nation to identify with the sport for the physically challenged to enhance its growth.
Ikpea on Wednesday in Lagos said that the sport which was inaugurated in 2012, needed maximum support from corporate bodies, ex-internationals and non-governmental organisations to develop.
“The players involved in this game are persons living with disabilities so there is every need to support them morally and financially, basically to encourage and bring their football career to the limelight.
“There are so many of such categories of people out there who rather than develop their talents in sports, preferred begging and becoming a nuisance to the society.
“Since they are in their prime stage in life, they need support from individuals and organisations to attract government attention to provide them with the required assistance,’’ he said.
Ikpea, who sponsored the just-concluded maiden Cerebral Palsy Soccer Tournament, tagged “Super 4”, in Lagos pledged his support until the CPFA got fully developed across the country.
According to him, the passion for adding value and seeing the physically challenged engage in football gingered him to sponsor the event.
“I don’t have much but I am happy to pilot their first ever competition with my little contribution and I will be happier if others join in promoting this sport,’’ he said.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement, muscle coordination, and balance.
It usually occurs between ages two and three and is a non-progressive brain disorder that leaves the brain damaged but does not continue to worsen throughout life.