BY OYENIYI GBENGA DAYO
Mrs. Abdulkadir Bilikis Abolore has long been a familiar and respected name within Ilorin’s sporting community. Therefore, it came as no surprise to many friends, family members, and stakeholders when she unveiled her long-anticipated pet project — the BAZKKAM Para Sports Academy, located in Eruda, Ilorin.
The academy, founded by the accomplished para-athlete who represented Kwara State in various competitions, is designed to nurture and empower physically challenged individuals through sports.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, an emotional Bilikis Abolore, a former board member of the Kwara State Sports Commission, highlighted the transformative power of sports for persons with disabilities.
“Sporting activities bring out their potential, give them mental alertness, and keep them off the streets,” she said.
She also made a passionate appeal to parents, urging them not to hide their children with disabilities but instead encourage them to embrace opportunities that can shape their future. Drawing from her personal journey, she emphasized resilience and the importance of support systems.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Magaji, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward inclusivity and grassroots sports development in the state. He encouraged parents to strike a balance between education and sports in nurturing their children.
Also speaking, Coach Abdulkadir Abdulkadir, husband of the founder, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their support. He noted that the academy would create a strong sense of belonging for persons with disabilities while also fostering talent development.
He further acknowledged that the vision behind the academy was inspired by his wife’s personal experiences, as well as the support received from the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The BAZKKAM Para Sports Academy will focus on training in Para-Table Tennis and Para-Athletics, offering a platform for athletes to discover and develop their abilities.
Dignitaries present at the event included Mallam Bolakale Adisa Magaji, Alhaji Abubakar Olayinka Abdulkadir, mallam Mahmoud Basambo, among others.
