2nd Duku Festival Road Race: A celebration of Para-Cycling Excellence

The Ghana Cycling Federation, in collaboration with key stakeholders, hosted the 2nd Duku Festival Road Race Prelude Para Cycling Event on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Osu Castle Total Filling Station in Accra.

This unique blend of sports and entertainment showcased the incredible abilities of para-athletes across six competitive divisions: Male Tandem, Female Tandem, Male and Female Hand Cycling, and Male and Female Amputee categories.

• Advocating for Inclusion

Justice Awuku, Chairman of the Duku Festival Cycling Race, emphasized the event's goal of empowering individuals with disabilities who have often been marginalized.

“We noticed that physically challenged individuals have been sidelined, so we decided to organize a special event for them,” he stated. Awuku praised the turnout and the exceptional skills displayed by participants, expressing amazement at witnessing visually impaired athletes competing on bicycles.

He called on corporate Ghana to support para-cycling, highlighting the immense potential of these athletes. “This annual event is our commitment to inclusivity, and we aspire to make it even grander in the future,” Awuku affirmed.

• A Platform for Community and Achievement

Renowned para-athlete Frederick Assor, who placed third in the Male Tandem division, commended the organizers for providing a platform that combines competition, camaraderie, and recreation. “This event has allowed us to de-stress, connect with friends, and showcase our skills,” Assor remarked.

Shaaban Mohammed, General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation, celebrated the event as a resounding success, praising both the performance levels and the rewards. “The impressive displays of determination and talent here reaffirm the importance of creating opportunities for para-cyclists in Ghana,” Mohammed said.

• Recognizing Excellence

The event’s success was made possible by sponsors including Dot Ateliers, Mr. D.J. Hyun of Derbywheel Incorporated, and the Association for Sports Federation On Disability (ASFOD).

Winners of the 2nd Edition Duku Festival Para Cycling Event

Male Tandem (42.5 km):

1. Peter Dery Danvoru & Benjamin Boahen Agyemang – 2:02:39.89
   • GH₵3,000, gold medals, and souvenirs.
2. Emmanuel & George – 2:18:24.36
   • GH₵2,000, silver medals, and souvenirs.
3. Frederick Assor & Philip Randolf – 2:19:25.35
   • GH₵1,000, bronze medals, and souvenirs.

Female Tandem (17 km):

1. Favour Ayiglo & Abigail A. Tetteh – 1:08:02.24
   • GH₵3,000, gold medals, and souvenirs.
2. Beauty Fiator & Majorie Quaye – 1:09:45.67
   • GH₵2,000, silver medals, and souvenirs.

Male Amputee (42.5 km):

1. Richard Yaw Atta – 2:08:04.34
   • GH₵3,000, gold medal, and souvenirs.
2. Ebenezer Mensah Adjei – 2:11:45.69
   • GH₵2,000, silver medal, and souvenirs.
3. Kingsley Ofori – 2:15:00.87
   • GH₵1,000, bronze medal, and souvenirs.

Male Hand Cycling (17 km):

1. Frank Yaw Fuji – 1:10:12.97
   • GH₵3,000, gold medal, and souvenirs.

The Duku Festival Road Race has established itself as a vital platform for showcasing the resilience and talents of para-athletes in Ghana, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and excellence in sports.