Inaugural African Paralympic Games Debut in Ghana
September 8, 2023
On September 3, the inaugural African Para Games kicked off at the celebrated Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana with support from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the African Paralympic Committee. Running through September 12, approximately 20 teams from across the continent are competing in Amputee football, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.
The Games, which are running under the motto of “Inspire a Better Africa” support the IPC’s #WalkInMyShoe initiative to "break the stigma attached to Para sports" in African nations and use sports to foster unity. According to the UN, persons with disabilities “are disproportionately likely to live in poverty and, too often across Africa [and elsewhere], do not have equal access to education, health care, employment opportunities, housing, social protection systems, justice, and cultural expression and participation in political life.”
More than 500 athletes attended the Opening Ceremony which celebrated the continent's cultural diversity and embraced the African philosophy of "Ubuntu" or “I am because we are.” Rooted in humanist African philosophy, it is based on the idea of a common humanity where the idea of community is one of the building blocks of society.
"The African Para Games are not just about competition but about building bridges of understanding and solidarity that will last far after the last medal has been awarded,” said Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif. "Our athletes have trained tirelessly, pushing their limits and inspiring us all. They stand here today as beacons of strength, proving that nothing is impossible when you have the courage to dream and the will to persevere."
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, who attended the Opening Ceremony which he described as a “long desired goal finally achieved,” stated that "Regional Games are an important development opportunity for our Para sports and provide the athlete pathway, that for some will lead to the Paralympic Games, the pinnacle event for our Movement. Para sport changes lives, communities and is advancing disability inclusion on a global scale. We are excited that these Games are bringing this impact to Africa."
The competition also serves as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and is part of a mission to enable paralympic athletes across Africa to achieve sporting excellence. Taking place from August 28 to September 8, 2024, the Games will feature 4,400 athletes competing in 22 sports through 184 National Paralympic Committees.
Sources: Insidethegamesbiz, GhanaWeb, Graphic Online