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Government to support Ghana's participation at Rio Paralympics

By GNA
Sports News Government to support Ghana's participation at Rio Paralympics
AUG 23, 2016 LISTEN

By Edna A. Quansah, GNA
Accra, Aug. 23, GNA - Government has assured full commitment towards Ghana's participation in the 2016 Rio Paralympics next month.

At a Press Conference held on Tuesday, by the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) with support from Agitos Foundation - the Educational and Technical Wing of International Paralympic Committee (IPC), aimed at creating media awareness ahead of the Games , the Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Mrs. Dela Sowah, said the government has committed an undisclosed amount to support team Ghana's campaign at the Paralympic Games.

"The Ministry is about Gender and Social Protection, and (for reasons of) social protection that's where we come in. Government is committed to helping the plight of the disabled and have raised a portion of the budget from 2.5% to 3 %) to support them."

The Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), who doubles as Chef de Mission, Mr. Saka Acquaye expressed belief in the team and appealed to corporate entities for support.

"When we went to events such as the All Africa Games, we (Paralympic team) did so well, in fact we took more than half of the 21 medals at the games," he noted.

The President of the NPC said, Bishop Cornelius Adjah Coffie said, the disabled athletes will put in their best efforts to ensure Ghana is given the needed respect and recognition at the international stage.

The Games will be the fourth time Ghana will be participating in the competition with three athletes competing in Cycling, Powerlifting and High Jump.

He called on corporate entities to support the Ghana's participation. ''We are seeking to employ the services of Marketing Agents to aid us in securing sponsorship for the NPC to ease our plans of providing athletes with more exposure and experience in future.''

Ghana's Paralympic team will embark on a trip to Brazil in the coming weeks for the Paralympics billed for 7-18 September.

GNA

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