A visually challenged goalball star, Justina Mokwue has reeled out several advantages of the game and urged sponsors to step forward in order to make it grow.
Although the game is for players who have sight problems, Mokwue stressed that it is worthy of corporate sponsorship and support from government.
Goalball is a Paralympic event involving three players on either side, knocking balls fitted with tiny bells across an indoor court, with victory going to the side that hits most of its efforts into the opposing net in 24 minutes, 12 for each half.
Mokwue, who plays for Golden Babes of Lagos, said in an exclusive chat with sports247.ng that goalball serves immense benefits that go beyond mere keep fit and entertainment.
She added after helping her side to victory in the 4th Blind Sports Festival, being organised by Lagos State Sports Commission at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, that all the players are excited with the festival.
Mokwue added: “We are very happy to be part of this competition. It’s a very, very creative game.
“When it comes to endurance, there are a lot of gains and benefits you can derive from this game.
“Apart from entertainment, it gives you courage to move on as a visually impaired person. It gives you that creative idea and ignites your sense of sound.
“It makes you hear well, and you can learn how to activate your listening ability to grab oncoming movement.”
She then spoke about her personal targets and those of her colleagues, but conceded that they would not be able to achieve their ambitions without adequate sponsorship from all sectors of the country.
“The target I have is for me to represent my country, Nigeria, in the next Olympic Games.
“I am also calling on the government to please assist us by sponsoring this sport and making all equipment available.
“We are also looking forward to having more soonsors. Having more sponsorship will mean more tournaments in and out of Nigeria.
“We are looking forward to the involvement of government so that we can participate in all tournaments and represent our country,” Mokwue pleaded.
She concluded with a bold declaration that the goalball squad has what it takes to excel at any level internationally, even the Olympic Games.
“Yes, we have what it takes to be at the Olympics because there’s ability in disability.
“We are able to make use of our sense organs like the ear, and we are able to perform well.
“We have all it takes to do well in the Olympics anytime we get the chance,” Mokwue assured emphatically.
