SPORTS: Rio2016: Babalola Heads To Dubai For First Paralympics qualifier

Paralympics hence she has concluded arrangements to take part in the 7th Fazaa International Athletics Competition in Dubai, being the first in the series of qualification. Athletes will participate in four days of top class track and field-.events. Babalola said her move is to meet a personal dream. She does not want to wait until it gets late as to when the country decides to get things going. ”Let me start off on my own no there is still time, “ she said 

When asked by Vanguard if Nigeria has made plans to send athletes to Dubai or indeed any of the other meets slated as Rio 2016 qualification,  President of the Para-Athletics Federation of Nigeria Dr. Oye Thorpe responded that the federation for nowhas no plans to send athletes to the meeting due to funds constraints. Babalola however told Sports Vanguard that she is participating with the assistance of her United States based club and contributions from public spirited Nigerians. “Having followed a planned training regime, I feel like putting it to test by running in  my new track- cycle which was a gift from my club when I was there for a three week training programme. I want to see how far I can go .My intention is to qualify for the Rio Games. So, going out to compete among the best from other parts of the world is one way to prove myself right,” she stated. Unfortunately her favourite 200m event has been omitted from the programme of the Dubai event. Hannah is now focused on running the 100m, 400m and may be 800m as well. “Because the 200m is off the event schedule, I am looking towards adding 400m and 800m. Somehow I feel I should be lucky and make it in one of these events.” An International Paralympic Committee event, The 7th FAZAA International Athletics Competition, Dubai, United Arab Emirates holds from 20-27 February.