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Sport and ThisAbility: A chance to dream
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His zeal and drive to run on that track demonstrates that people with ThisAbility does not amount to inability. It shows how stronger mentally they are.

At about 5 years ago, I stormed the image above on the internet, then I was thrilled at the joy that greeted the boy's face. The radiant face says a lot about how much children needs the societal support most especially those with special ability like him, the chance to play and dream to help raise their belief and confidence to compete and succeed.  His zeal and drive to run on that track demonstrates that people with #ThisAbility does not amount to inability. It shows how stronger mentally they are, only begging for our support and love rather than rejection or discrimination.

Fastfoward to 2016, have been more passionate than ever to what sport can do, the tremendous power of sport in strengthening social inclusion. This kid just wants to play and realise his dream of being an athlete and then with a little support, he could achieve it. Sport is indeed powerful. It gives an opportunity to dream, happy and learn essential social values.

People all over the world and most notably Nigerians, must begin to see sport beyond just an entertainment or a mere physical activity. Its popularity if availed adequately can advance social change, development in communities.

Its appeal is ever growing across the world but sport can do more in the society. Its power to mobilize, unite and inspire can be used to achieve great things when children and youths are engaged using sport as a means to support their health, education, foster social inclusion, gender equality, promote peace and raise environmental awareness.

With multiple challenges facing the world today and Nigeria most particularly, ranging from diseases, increasing school dropout, very little awareness about environmental practices and climate change, insecurity, riots in communities, discrimination against girls and women among others, sport can be a viable means to drive social change. It cannot do it alone, but with effective partnerships with other non-profit organisations and concerted effort across the sector can bring to fore, a better Nigeria, making giant strides in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals target in Nigeria.

Visit the Sport for Impact blog for more information.

[This article has been edited by the Operating Team]

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