Other Sports of Friday, 29 June 2012

Source: GNA

Ghana's Paralympians on UK training Tour

Four members of Ghana Paralympic team for this year’s Paralympic Games in London have embarked on a trip to the United Kingdom courtesy of Right to Dream, for a four week intensive training package ahead of the Paralympics which will roll from the 29th of August to the 1st of September this year.

The training tour was sanctioned by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority, National Paralympics Committee and the Ghana Cycling Federation.

The four-member team made up of Charles Narh - powerlifter, Alem Mumuni - paracyclist,-two time paralympian-Raphael Nkegbe Botsyo -wheel chair track athlete and Anita Fordjour - wheel track athlete are currently based in the University of Exeter in London.

The athletes before their departure were full of high optimism to excel in the Paralympics and determined to raise up high the flag of Ghana.

Charles Narh, who won a gold medal at the IPC power lifting 2012 UK invitational event and represented Ghana in Dubai at one of the largest international power lifting competitions was of high hopes, stating "we are heading to the London 2012 to make our nation proud. We will raise the flag of Ghana high. Determination is the key, if you work hard toward something you can achieve it".

Two time paralympian Raphael Nkegbe Botsyo was also of high hopes adding that they will not let the nation down.

Alem Mumuni –the lone ranger and the first Ghanaian paracyclist at the Paralympics, said he was surely not leaving any stone unturned to prove to all that he is the reigning African champion in the C2 category and will surely make an impact at the Paralympics in August.

Other sponsors besides Right to Dream ably supported by Hull Blyth, are Aviance, Vitol, Pippas Health Center and PHC Motors as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sports ,National Sports Authority ,National Paralympics Committee and the Ghana Cycling Federation.

Meanwhile, the National Paralympics Committee headed by Bishop Cornelius Adja Coffie and his members are in constant touch with the team ensuring their safety in training and upkeep.

The National Paralympics Committee extended its appreciation to the untiring efforts of the Sports Ministry, especially the Minister - Clement Humado and the Sports Authority for their support in making this year's Paralympics preparation a success.**