****As Afini Ladies Claim Third Place Prize
Leave Am For Me FC have emerged champions of the Para Soccer Championship in the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.
The Para Soccer match was filled with fun and excitement to the admiration of fans and stakeholders who came out to witness the second edition of the Para-Soccer Championship.
Leave Am For Me FC beat Hon. Igali FC 5-4 in an encounter decided at the multipurpose hall of the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The winner of the Para Soccer Championship was presented with a sum of Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#650,000.00) while second placed Hon. Igali FC went home with Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#350,000.00). Both teams were, however, presented a cash reward of #50,000.00 each from Mr Ono K. Akpe, Director General of the Prosperity Cup.
Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe in a remark noted that the Para Soccer event is in the spirit of inclusivity which is aimed at giving persons living with disability a sense of belonging in the society, describing both sides as winners.
He explained that the need to include para soccer in the tournament became imperative due to amazing and rich talents in this bracket as evidenced in the state’s continuous dominance in the National Para Games, pointing out that he was satisfied with the energy displayed by the athletes and the exciting game witnessed by the capacity crowd that witnessed the match.
Chairman of the occasion and former Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Ebikitin Diongoli congratulated both sides for the show of professionalism, saying that the inclusion of the Para Soccer event has added more glamour to the tournament.
Dr. Diongoli commended the Bayelsa State government and the organizers of the Prosperity Cup for creating a platform for the youths in the state to showcase their talents.
Meanwhile Afini Ladies in the third place match of the women’s tournament defeated Niger Delta Queens of Odi 1-0. Precious Belele’s goal on 22 minutes gave the Yenagoa based side the deserved victory having missed the chance to play in the final of the tournament.
Coach Anthony Robert of Afini FC in a post match interview said their priority is to consolidate on the achievements recorded in this year’s Prosperity Cup, stating that the team is barely four months old.
