Special Olympics National Games starts in Hohoe

The first ever Special Olympics (SO) Ghana National Games would kick-start this afternoon at Hohoe with people with intellectually disabled from 37 schools across the country participating.

The three-day event would see participants contesting for honours in seven-a-side football, 60-metre dash and long jump.

The Special Olympics Ghana is organized with collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Special Education Division of the Ghana Education Service with Coca Cola being the main sponsor.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (RTD), Mr Augustine Kokukokor, Chairman of the Special Olympics Ghana  is optimistic mainstreaming competition among people with disabilities would increase acceptance by society while tackling injustice, isolation, intolerance and inactivity such people face.

He said the SO Ghana National games is expected to recruit about 2,00 new athletes, 500 family members, 100 unified athletes and 60 unified partners.

Mr Charles Nyambe, Director of Programme Development and Sports, Africa Region of SO said the Special Olympics game is a sports catalyst to creating awareness for the physically disadvantaged population in the society for acceptance.

“It is aimed at reversing the stereotypes against disabled athletes or sportsmen and women generally, who are mostly neglected by society,” he added.

Mr  Aaron Nanabanyin Andrews, Supervisor in-charge of Volta North, Coca Cola Company, said the brand’s association with the event stemmed from the promotion of inclusiveness and acceptance of mankind irrespective of physical appearance.

The keynote address would be delivered by Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, Volta Regional Minister and chaired by Togbega Gabusu VI, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area.

Source: GNA