The National Paralympic Team of Persons with Disabilities which is preparing to attend the Regional Para Sports training in Ghana on 10th June 2023 has updated the NOC President and Executive on their level of preparedness.
At a jam-packed meeting in the Office of the NOC, Team Leader of Paralympics Sierra Leone, Unisa Deen-Kargbo said that the training in Accra will encompass coaches’ course, Technical Officials training, Athlete’s forum, athletes’ classification, and competition. He noted that it will be the best opportunity to get athletes classified in readiness for certified IPC competitions. Mr Kargbo emphasized that the regional training will be the first step towards qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
He praised the Ghana Paralympic Committee, African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for creating the opportunity whilst commending the Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, The National Sports Authority (NSA) the Ministry of Sports (MOS), and that of Finance for providing the needed home support. He disclosed that the delegation is in readiness to effectively represent the country. Mr Deen-Kargbo singled out the AfPC President Mr. Samson Deen in Ghana for putting all his might into the growth of para-sports.
He disclosed that the first African Paralympic Games will be held in Ghana in September this year through the efforts of Samson Deen and the Ghana Government. During the meeting, the Teqball team that will be in the African Beach Games in Tunisia was also introduced.
The President of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone Prince Sualley commended the Para team for their hard work. He stressed that the era of our athletes being mere participants in games is over. That each athlete must now compete to bring glory. He cited the recent Silver Medal won by a Wrestling Athlete in Tunisia. Noting strongly that it should be the determination of our athletes going forward.
Suallley praised the NSA and MOS for always standing behind the sports sector.
Also present at the update session were Idissa Massaquoi, VP of NOC, and Oness A. Johnson an exco-member of NOC. Determination to do well in Ghana was seen on the faces of the athletes and officials.
The team will depart on 14th June. Plans are underway to bid farewell to the NSA and MOS.
