Other Sports of Tuesday, 31 August 2004

Source: GNA

Ghana given two wild card slots for Paralympic games

Accra, Aug 31, GNA - The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has given Ghana two wild card slots to present two athletes and some officials to participate in this year's Paralympic Games scheduled for Athens this year.

A statement signed by Mr Harry Hornsby-Odoi, President Ghana Paralympic Committee, (GPC) copied to the GNA Sports said the IPC initially wanted Ghana to participate fully in the Games but since the country did not participate in any of the qualifiers to the games, she had to content itself with only wild card slots.

He said the application of the wild card is based on the technicality that Ghana did not qualify to be part of the games since she has not fulfilled the two-year stay post admission criteria into the IPC.

Consequently Ghana will be represented by Ajara Mohammed to compete in the 800 meters with Botsyo Nkegbe also competing in the 100 metres, 200metres and 400 metres at the paralympics.

Mr Hornsby-Odoi thanked the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Council, the Ghana Olympic Committee and all companies and individuals who supported the athletes in diverse ways towards their preparations for the Athens Games.

He said it is hoped that the experience gained so far will be brought to bear on future competitions.