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16.05.2018 Athletics

Alem Mumuni Targets Tokyo 2020 Qualification In Brazil Despite Government Neglect

Alem Mumuni Targets Tokyo 2020 Qualification In Brazil Despite Government Neglect
16.05.2018 LISTEN

Ghana's top para-cyclist, Alem Mumuni, is scheduled to compete in the Union Cycling International (UCI) Para-cycling Track World Championship in Rio, as he chases qualification points for the 2020 Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo.

The three-time African Champion represented Ghana at the last Olympic Games held in Rio and made history in 2012 by becoming the first para-cyclist from Ghana to qualify for the Paralympic Games.

Mumuni, who doubles as an amputee footballer in an interview with the GNA Sports, highlighted the significance of the championship as he looks to make the qualification mark and urged corporate bodies to sponsor his trip to Rio amid the lack of desire from the government to finance their qualification trips over the past years.

''I am training very hard, striving hard to look for sponsorship as well. As you know the government has sidelined para-sports, by paying little or no attention to us the athletes who go out there and win laurels for the country.

''Nonetheless, I am looking forward to competing in the championship in Brazil because it gives me the opportunity to make the time for the Tokyo Games. I remain hopeful of making my third successive appearance at the Olympic Games and this time around am looking forward to involve other athletes, who I can encourage and train to also qualify for the games.

''We have been neglected for far too long and it's from childhood. It’s amazing how people with disability are not considered as humans and whatever talents we have, are left to die down.

''We claim to be part of United Nations millennium goals yet we don't do what is required and play the necessary roles. My plea to the country is that they should give support to persons with a disability because we do have talents in diverse ways,'' Mumuni expressed.

Sammy Heywood Okine
Sammy Heywood Okine

Sports JournalistPage: SammyHeywoodOkine

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