Sports News of Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Source: GNA

Ghana is ready for the Paralympics – NPC President

Accra, Aug. 15, GNA – Bishop Cornelius Adja Cofie, President of the National Paralympic Committee (NOC) is convinced Ghana is ready to make a positive impact at the 2012 Paralympics Games in London.

Speaking to the GNA Sports in an interview on preparations of “Team Ghana” he said the team has since August 10, been camping at Bedford University in London under strict supervision of the technical team and all the athletes are in excellent shape for the task ahead.

Ghana will be represented by 2010 Commonwealth Games Bronze medalist Anita Fodjour in the 100, 200 and 400 meters, with Botyso Nkegbe competing in the 100 meters, whilst Alem Mumuni and Charles Narh Teye will seek honours in Powerlifting and Paracycling respectively.

Bishop Adjah Cofie said, the medical team has also conducted extensive examination on the athletes and they have been given the necessary clearance to compete adding that there is no cause for alarm with regards to the health of any of them.

Commenting on the chances of the team, Bishop Adja Cofie noted that, he is cautiously optimistic of a success and convinced that the team will come out with at least two medals.

According to the NPC President, Fodjour is capable of winning a medal with a little bit of personal effort and motivation.

“Fodjour, by her time is currently the number four in the world and this puts her in very good position to win a medal, if she is able to up her performance and in good shape.

“We the officials will also do our best to give her the needed motivation to enable her break into the medal zone.” Bishop Adja Cofie added.

He added, “I think Mumuni is also capable of winning a medal for the nation because he had an impressive time in recent times and his performance gives me the needed conviction that he will make it at the Games”.

Bishop Adja Cofie said he is convinced “Team Ghana will come home with at least two medals since the Paralympic sport has always been Ghana’s 'gold mine' at international games.