At the Victory in Unity event held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the University of Ghana Stadium, celebrated Ghanaian para-athlete Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe expressed profound disappointment over the exclusion of para sports competitions from the upcoming 13th African Games.
The event, aimed at promoting inclusivity and the transformative power of sports, featured appearances by multiple Olympian Dr. Edwin Moses and Professor Dr. Yetsa Tuakli-Wosornu, founder of Sports Equity Lab, the organization behind Victory in Unity.
In the lead-up to the opening ceremony of the African Games on Friday, March 8, Nkegbe conveyed his sadness at the missed opportunity for para-athletes to showcase their talents on home soil.
He expressed regret that friends, family, and supporters would be unable to witness para athletes like himself and Patrick Obeng compete for their nation, describing it as a lost chance for national representation.
“I feel so sad that friends, loved ones, my kids, my nephews, people won’t be able to cheer Botsyo, cheer Patrick Obeng and co on home soil. We feel like this was the time some of us can say that we have really represented the nation so I feel so sad”.
Despite wishing Ghanaian athletes the best of luck in the Games, Nkegbe admitted feeling disheartened by the absence of para-athletics events, emphasizing the significance of inclusion and representation for athletes with disabilities.
”I can only wish all the Ghanaian athletes the best of luck but to be honest with you, I feel so sad that para-athletics is not part.”
The African Games, slated to conclude on March 23, will be hosted at venues including the Borteyman Sports Complex, marking a significant sporting event for the African continent.
