LAGOS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian contingent for the 2009 Paralympics Games arrive in Beijing, China on Thursday for the event scheduled to start on Saturday, according to the Lagos based Punch newspaper.

    A total of 26 athletes are representing Nigeria in the competition and they are expected to compete in four sports. The sports are powerlifting, track and field, tennis and table tennis.

    The athletes have been in South Korea preparing for the event in the past four weeks.

    Patrick Ekeji, Director of Sports in the National Sports Commission said all was set for the Paralympics. He said the athletes were in good shape and were determined to do the country proud in Beijing.

    "We are very serious about this competition because it is a continuation of the Olympic Games with countries from all parts of the world in attendance. Our athletes are ready to excel here" he said.

    "It is sad that some people look down on this event. These athletes deserve some respect because they are the ambassadors of Nigeria," he said.

    "They have been doing well in the past and will still do better here in this competition," he said.

    Powerlifting and track and field are the events expected to earn Nigeria medals at the games that end on Sept. 17 in Beijing.

    "We expect a great event judging by what we saw at the Olympic Games.

    "I am pleased with the fitness of our athletes," he added.