... CDS welcomes Invictus Athletes
Since the inception of the Invictus Games in 2014, initiated by Prince Harry of the United Kingdom, Nigeria has begun a history of becoming the first African team to feature in the recovery game for military personnel.
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sporting event which offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick service men and women.
It gives soldiers awareness and recognition in society to support their path to rehabilitation. The Invictus Games has about 500 participants and 21 nations in attendance.
According to Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau in a press statement on Monday, Nigeria's participation is not only critical and significant to members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria AFN, but to Nigeria as a nation. He added that the Honourable Minister of Defence who was at the event met with the initiator of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry of the United Kingdom and agreed in terms to host the next event in Nigeria.
Receiving the heroic military athletes freshly from the Invictus Games, Russell, Germany, the Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa today, 18 September, 202 3who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil Military Relations (CIMIC), Real Admiral Abdullahi Ibrahim Dewu said that this is the first time an African team is represented in the games since it's inception in 2014.
According to the CDS, the Armed forces and the entire country are happy to receive the heroes. He added that the game is meant to bring closer, for interaction and to socialise amongst soldiers, particularly those with trauma and wounded in war all over the world.
Also speaking at the airport reception, the team leader and the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis described sport as " a soft power where nations can use to do a lot of projections".
Lance Corporal peacemaker Azuegbulam won gold in powerlifting, while Corporal Dazzi Gosa won Bronze in Table Tennis. The events competed include; table tennis, rowing, sitting down volleyball, powerlifting, shot put, and track and field amongst others.
