Ghana witnessed a historic moment at the opening ceremony of the 1st edition of the African Para Games hosted here in Accra, Ghana with the launch held at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The African Para Games is the first edition of the sports for people living with disabilities which is being held between 3rd & 12th September 2023 in Accra, Ghana.
The First Africa Para Games, Accra 2023 is officially opened.
The @APGAccra2023 Games is the first edition of the African Para Games, [sports for people living with disabilities] is being held between 3 & 12 September 2023 in Accra, Ghana.@Paralympics @APGAccra2023 @AusAmbGHA pic.twitter.com/8SKk0wF7dU
— NATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE-GH (@ParalympicGh) September 3, 2023
Ghana became a pacesetter, not only in sports but also in promoting social inclusion and the rights of the vulnerable in society by welcoming the rest of African countries such as Uganda, Zambia, Togo, Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Tanzania, Libya, Kenya, Angola, Senegal, Mali, Liberia etc.
The Games are not just about competition; they are a symbol of hope, determination, and unity.
The logo and motto for the games, Para Sports Inspire a Better Africa, was revealed in November 2022.
2023 African Para Games Jingle. @Afpcparalympic @AusAmbGHA @UKinGhana @FranceandGhana @EmbEspGhana @USEmbassyGhana @GermanAmbGhana @Paralympics @moysgovgh @Gh_NSA @GhanaPresidency @ussif_mustapha @of_amputee @npcrwanda @namibia_npc @burkinafasonpc @King__Eben @MawukoDoe pic.twitter.com/T0Hob2maGA
— NATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE-GH (@ParalympicGh) August 31, 2023
The games support the IPC #WalkInMyShoe initiative which aims to “break the stigma attached to Para sports” in African nations.
The President of the African Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen shared his elation at witnessing a successful launch and hopes Ghana will clinch a lot of medals at the event.
I think that we wanted to deliver the games to the people of Africa, and not just the games, the image of the games.”
The opening ceremony is all about the image of the games and we have delivered the most exciting African Para Games opening ceremony ever”
An opening ceremony with understanding, an opening ceremony with a clear picture of what it means to celebrate such a big festival.
The 2023 African Para Games sports programme will see four competitions taking place with medals to be won at stake.
The games will feature Amputee Football, with Ghana’s national team, the Black Challenge one of the dominant forces in that category, There is also Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and sitting volleyball.
Rwanda National Amputee Football Team presentation in African Para Games 2023 🔥🔥#RwandaToGhana#AfricanParaGames2023 pic.twitter.com/EsbQCpw0YM
— Rwanda Paralympics (@npcrwanda) September 3, 2023
Ghana’s Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif graced the occasion and officially launched the 2023 African Para Games.
I am thrilled to share the historic moment of the opening ceremony of the 1st African Para Games here in Accra, Ghana.Today, we witnessed the power of sports to transcend boundaries, promote inclusivity, and celebrate the exceptional abilities of our para-athletes from across the continent.
I commend His Excellency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for his unwavering support in making these Games a reality. His belief that “IT IS DOABLE” has manifested as the first-ever stand-alone multi-para sports event on the African continent.
Team Uganda 🇺🇬 enjoying some Jama… #Accra2023 #ParaGames pic.twitter.com/Fm2B6MAyk3
— Africa Para Games 2023 (@APGAccra2023) September 3, 2023