By Eddie Akalonu

Two of Team Nigeria’s medalists at the just concluded London 2012 Paralympic Games, Lucy Ejike and Loveline Obiji have called on the sports authority in the country to provide a level playing ground for all athletes representing the country henceforth.

Ejike, gold medalist in the women’s 56kg powerlifting event and Obiji, silver medalist in the women’s 82.5 kg class said in Lagos the National Sports Commission, NSC should do a rethink about the place of athletes with disability since they have remained goal-getters and good sports ambassadors for the country.

Speaking in Lagos shortly on arrival from the London Games where the contingent won 6 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals, Ejike enjoined the authorities to provide better environment for training, and welfare for the disabled athletes.

“We deserve better treatment. We want improved facilities and good coaches to train as well as the kind of training tour arranged for the athletes who went for the Olympic Games. We have shown more than enough capacity to perform and win laurels for this country,”said Ejike, whose 135 kg lift in her class earned her a silver.

On her part, Obiji, whose 143kg lift in the women’s 82 kg class earned Nigeria her 4th gold medal in power lifting, expressed hopes that the authorities would take measures to end the discrimination of athletes with disability.

“We have the flare to compete and make our country proud. Despite obvious neglect, we were determined to give our best for the country. I’m so glad we dd it for the country when all hopes for medals faded with the Olympics, “ she stated. She added that, “though we are treated shabbily, I’m not discouraged but merely disappointed.

We deserve better welfare and treatment. Obviously it is strange that the Nigerian Paralympic Games ambassadors were not accorded a befitting welcome. We came home to a poor and cold reception at the National Stadium in Lagos on Tuesday.”