Sunday, September 3, was the day pronounced for the debut opening of the African Paralympic Games, named ‘Accra 2023,’ at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. A few dignitaries were present at the event, including Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif.
The African Para Games will be staged in Ghana between September 3 and 12, with Accra 2023 being the first edition of the games.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister Ussif said that Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s president, is completely in favor of the Para Games because he thinks they are possible and are more than just a sporting event.
Mr Ussif also praised the first Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their efforts in ensuring that all people and logistics were set up.
Algeria, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia were among the countries represented in the opening ceremony.
The event has drawn over 400 physically disabled athletes from 21 countries across the continent.
The games will see people who are physically challenged compete in Wheel Chair Tennis, Wheel Chair Basketball, and Amputee Football. Meanwhile, the event is expected to help promote social inclusion.
Under the support of the President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew George William Parsons, and Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif (MP), the Games stand as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to promoting social inclusion and the rights of vulnerable populations.
The Games, aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aim to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. They also seek to create awareness about para-sports, promote harmony, peace, and unity, and provide a platform for athletes to identify their sporting talents.
The event is not only a sporting competition but also a celebration of African culture, fostering friendship and solidarity among nations. It aligns with Agenda 2063’s aspiration to build an Africa with a strong cultural identity and common heritage.
The first African Para Games is a historic milestone for the African Paralympic Movement, promoting youth interaction, social integration, and the free movement of sportsmen and women across borders.
With a dynamic opening ceremony and a variety of sports on the timetable, the first African Para Games are set to leave an enduring tradition of inclusivity, assurance, and greatness.
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