The Yele Akindayomi-led team, comprising 24 athletes and 10 officials, will represent Nigeria at the global multi-sports event staged on Oct. 2-11.

Speaking at the reception organized for the team Tuesday in Lagos, the delegation chairman, Victor Osibodu, lauded the efforts of individuals and corporate organizations for making the trip possible, saying their effort has made the issue of the Road to China 2007 possible.

Osibodu credited the athletes to do the nation proud at the competition, adding that the maiden appearance of the Nigerian team in 2003 yielded three medals.

For 17-year-old Wutani Musah, going to China is dream come true.

Beaming with smile at the reception, Musah said she was grateful to the organizers for giving hope to intellectually challenged athletes, while she called on the society to see ability in disability.

"Going to China is a dream come true because when I was told I will be part of the team," said Musah.

"I thought it was one of those sweet talks until it downed on me that we will be leaving for China. I am going there to show that there is ability in disability.

"My target is to win a gold medal and I want all Nigerians to pray for us to be victorious.

"Though I need to be bold to face some of my opponents at the tournament, I believe with prayers from Nigerians and most importantly my fans, I will definitely have enough courage and boldness to win gold," added Musah.

Musah, who is representing the athletes in the delegation boardof directors alongside Adewale Palmer will compete in the table tennis.

Nigerian team will be competing in three sports, which include athletics, table tennis and five-a-side football.

Over 7,500 special Olympic athletes from more than 160 countries and regions will take part in the 10-day tournament which is described as the largest sporting event in the world this year.

The Nigerian team is expected to return to the country on October 13.