April 19, 2018

The Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation (NPPF) says it is working out a retirement plan for its athletes.

The federation’s President, Queen Uboh, told newsmen on Thursday in Abuja that its current athletes might have only the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games in Japan to compete in before retiring.

Uboh said that putting in place a good retirement plan for them was best way to appreciate their efforts.

“I have a lot of things I am trying to put together which will demand sponsors.

“First, is the creation of a retirement plan which I call 401K for my athletes and coaches.

“It is a retirement plan used in countries like the U.S. We call it pension in Nigeria but I prefer to call it 401K,’’ he said.

“We are also making plans to establish companies like bakery and bottle water where only the physically challenged will work.

“This will create job opportunity for them and from there, we could raise U-15 and U-17 athletes to replace the old ones.’’

Six athletes participated in the Para-powerlifting event at the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia, and returned with a medal each, comprising four gold and two silver.