The 2025 Physiotherapy Day of Service (PTDOS) in Kwara State brought renewed energy and hope to the para sports community, as over 50 para athletes benefited from free medical screenings, physiotherapy consultations, awareness sessions, and sporting exhibitions.
The event, themed “Strength Beyond Limit,” was held on Saturday, 18th October 2025, at the Major-General George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
The outreach was organized by physiotherapy students from the University of Ilorin, in collaboration with volunteers across affiliated institutions, and supported by Neurorehab Institute. This marks the second edition of the PTDOS celebration in Kwara, following the maiden edition in 2023.
Activities kicked off with medical check-ups and physiotherapy consultations where participants received personalized assessments to support their physical health and sports performance.
Students from physiotherapy and optometry departments provided screening services, answered health-related questions, and offered professional guidance. The health awareness talk centered on challenges faced by persons with disabilities, emphasizing accessible healthcare and self-care as essential for long-term wellbeing.
The event also featured exciting para-sport demonstrations, including wheelchair racing and wheelchair basketball exhibitions.
Para athletes displayed remarkable skill, strength, and determination, drawing cheers and support from spectators.
Certificates and medals were awarded to participants as a form of encouragement, with additional cash prizes of ₦10,000 and ₦5,000 respectively, courtesy of the Kwara State Sports Commission.
Stakeholders, government representatives, and disability advocates were present to support the celebration. Among them were Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, Director of Sports, Kwara State; and Mr. Tolulope Bakare, Secretary of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Kwara Chapter.
Their presence underscored a growing commitment to inclusive development in sports and health services.
Speaking to journalists, Adesina Muhammed Dare, a 500-level physiotherapy student and Team Lead for the outreach, explained that the initiative stems from passion and a sense of responsibility.
“We are here because of our love for the physiotherapy profession and our commitment to giving back to society, especially to people with disabilities,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure para athletes are neither neglected nor stigmatized. This programme is a way of showing love, care, and solidarity.”
Adesina also highlighted gaps in public infrastructure, particularly the lack of wheelchair-accessible seating in stadiums and public places, stressing the need for government action.
In her remarks, Mrs. Joy Bolarin, Executive Director of Jibore Foundation and Matron of PTDOS Kwara Chapter, praised the organizers and called for greater support for para athletes, especially access to standard sports wheelchairs.
“Many athletes here do not have proper racing or basketball wheelchairs, and this affects their training and morale,” she said. “We call on government and private donors to support these athletes with quality equipment.”
Also speaking, Abdulkadir Bilikis Abolore, Coordinator of the para athletes, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that physiotherapy is crucial to the wellbeing of persons living with disabilities.
“People with disabilities need physiotherapy to survive. This program helps enlighten our members and strengthens their capacity,” she stated.
PTDOS in Nigeria was pioneered by Adejugbagbe Muyiwa Kenneth, who localized the global concept to mobilize volunteers and promote service-driven impact across states. The initiative now takes place annually across multiple locations in Nigeria.