Deen (L), Mustapha Ussif and other dignitaries
The first African Para Games, dubbed ‘Accra 2023,’ has taken off in style.
It was the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, who performed the opening ceremony at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Sunday.
It was characterised by rich cultural display and well rehearsed choreography.
He said President Akufo-Addo, who was absent, was fully supportive of hosting of the Para Games in Ghana as he believes it is doable and the event is more than a sports celebration.
The minister commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the first African Para Games for their hard work in ensuring that the Games come off with all personnel and logistics in place.
The President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, hailed Ghana for taking the bold initiative and decision to host the first continental Para Games in Africa, as organising such events for the first time is challenging.
He assured that the IPC will invest in Africa because there is bright future for Para Sports in Africa.
President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), Samson Deen, said it is historic that after 36 years, Ghana is committed to hosting the first Games.
“I am happy to represent the interest of Africa, this is historic,” he said.
The countries represented at the opening ceremony were Algeria, Angola, DR Congo, Egypt, Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Participating countries will battle for honours in disciplines like Wheel Chair Tennis, Wheel Chair Basketball, and Amputee Football from September 4 to12, 2023.
From The Sports Desk