How Queen Idris Inspired Omolayo to Win Gold Medal
TOKYO 2020 PARALYMPIC
The timely intervention of Former President of Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), Queen Idris provided the needed push and encouragement that saw Bose Omolayo win a gold medal at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games.
Queen Idris who is a special guest of the World Para-Powerlifting Federation had promised to give Bose Omolayo $500 if she delivered a gold medal at the Games.
Speaking after the victory, Idris said the morale of Bose Omolayo was low before she participated in her weight class adding that she had to cheer her up with her local dialect.
She said, “I am in Tokyo for the Paralympics Games on a special invitation from the World Para-Powerlifting Federation. They knew the role I played when I was President of Nigeria ParaPowerlifting Federation,” observed the former sports chief.
She stressed that before Bose Omolayo broke the World Record and landed Nigeria her second gold medal in the Para-Powerlifting event, “I had to motivate her psychologically and promise her $500. It gave me great joy when she broke the World Record because the only language Bose Omolayo understands Is Para-Powerlifting.
“Bose Omolayo is an orphan. She cannot read nor write and the only language she understands is sports,” revealed Queen Idris.
The former NPPF president further revealed: “She had challenges catering for her children before the Tokyo Paralympics. I informed her that winning a gold medal is a plus for her and she will be able to cater for the needs of her children.
“Most of the athletes know that I have special love for them. I am willing to make more sacrifices for them and that is why I am currently in Tokyo to cheer the Para-Powerlifters to victory,” Idris added.