The Junior Chamber International, JCI Ibadan Elite has organized a novelty football match with Ibadan Soccer Ambassadors as part of activities to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day.
The event, held at Olubadan Stadium, brought together football enthusiasts and Advocates for care of down syndrome individuals, in a spirited encounter aimed at raising awareness and promoting inclusion for persons living with Down syndrome.
The novelty match featured a friendly but competitive display between the Ibadan Soccer Ambassadors and the JCI Ibadan Elite team, with both sides demonstrating sportsmanship and solidarity throughout the game.
Speaking at the event, the JCI Ibadan Elite President, JCI Ambassador Ibukunoluwa said the initiative was designed to use sports as a tool to foster unity, advocate for equal opportunities, and draw public attention to the abilities and rights of individuals with Down syndrome.
Otesile emphasized that World Down Syndrome Day serves as a reminder of the need to build a more inclusive society where persons with Down syndrome are supported to live fulfilling and productive lives.
“We use football as our message of advocacy, We all have different disabilities, so people with down syndrome are human beings, they have disabilities just like everyone of us have our own disabilities, it’s just that some disabilities are hidden while some are more pronounced.
“Football is the game of love, unity, it’s a universal language so we’re saying everyone with down syndrome should be given the opportunity to express themselves, and they should have equal sense of belonging”
In his remarks, a former Super Eagles Midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju lauded the initiative, noting that such engagements help break stereotypes and encourage greater understanding of Down syndrome within the community.
Also speaking, mogaji Rotimi Alli, the chairman Ibadan football council and past president Ibadan soccer ambassadors cautioned against discrimination and stigmatization against people with down syndrome calling on government institutions, private organizations, and members of the public to intensify efforts in promoting awareness, education, and acceptance of people living with the condition.
