The Kwara state chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Women in Sports (NAWIS) today hosted and honoured Kwara female para-badminton gold medalist, Eniola Bolaji Mariam, who did the state and Nigeria proud at the Spanish Para-Badminton International Championship last May.
Eniola made history, defeating Ukrainian Oksana Kozyna 18-21, 21-14, 21-18 in the SL3 category to win the first-ever gold medal by an African para-badminton player outside the continent.
While presenting plaque of honour to Eniola, the State Chairperson, NAWIS, Mrs Serah Bola Esan said that NAWIS is a voluntary organisation concerned about girl-child and women in sports, even as she seeks collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Sports Council and the government.
The former Director of Sports also added that NAWIS looks after female sports persons, gives career insight and encouragement on education, especially through conferences and seminars for women in sports.
She said that part of their mission is protecting the girl-child against discrimination and molestation, pointing out that parents are always afraid to release their female folks to participate in sports.
The Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Alarape Atanda, while commending NAWIS for honouring Eniola reiterated the Council’s commitment to sports development, while also charging Eniola to remain focused in order to not only sustain her status, but build on it.
Mrs Abdulkadri Bilkis Abolore, who spoke on behalf of Kwara Para-athletes commended NAWIS for identifying with one of them, Eniola, and also thanked the Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Alarape Atanda, and other members of the women liberation body in sports.
In her reaction, the awardee, Eniola Bolaji Mariam thanked NAWIS for the recognition and award, pledging to sustain her dominance in her class.
