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The entire deaf members of Nigerian Deaf Sports Federation(NDSF) hereby appeal for release of funds for their participation in Deaflympics taking place in Turkey between 18 and 30 July 2017.

Its sad that the federal ministry of youth & sports are always in support of able-bodied sports at the detriment of special sports, most importantly Deaf Sports which is always relegated and neglected.
Too often, the deaf have to crawl on all four, with cap in hand begging passionately for funding and support. We’ve to beg and beg before we are considered.

As we talk, the Ministry had camped officials and athletes of able-bodied sports for preparations towards Nigeria’s participation in the Commonwealth Games coming up within the same time frame (17 – 25 July) at Nassau, Bahamas. However, when approached for funds to camp Deaf athletes in preparation for Deaflympics, the response has always been sluggish and too slow.

We are sad that whenever it comes to Deaf people’s turn, its always excuses galore! Its like the deaf aren’t human, or we are third rated Nigerian citizens. Its our believe that if Deaf sports receive the kind of attention and supports given to able-bodied sports, we too can excel. All are presumed to be equal. Therefore, treat all equally Sir.

Our Deaf footballers (Deaf Super Eagles) recently won the West African Deaf Nations Cup held in Mali last month. This is a boost to their determination to represents Nigeria very well in the global Deaflympics where competition will be more fierce and competitive than the Commonwealth Games. Although we are all aware of the economic recession, honestly, what’s sauce for gander, is sauce for geese!