Olympics
Paris 2024: Samson Deen Backs Africa to Produce Multiple World Paralympic Champions
The African tone set at the just ended Paris 2024 Olympics Games is anything to go by, then it's appropriate to suggest that Africa's 205 para-athletes per the available data on the 2024 Paris Paralympics Games website, will not just be participants at the Games, but contenders.
"Competing well is paramount for us at the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC). I'm excited to see African athletes prepared to represent our continent with pride," said Samson Deen.
Despite Africa's passion for podium highlights, its representation has shrunk by 29.1%, 84 less compared to Tokyo 2020.
Africa for Gold
"To improve on our gold medals, we need countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali to emulate Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco's success in Tokyo.”
"These five countries earned 20 gold medals in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games for Africa, underscoring our quality to upset the odds in Paris."
"We're confident our athletes will represent Africa with honor and pride," Deen told SportsBoom.com in the UK from his residence in France, as they close in on final preparations ahead of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Africa's potential is unstoppable. We're dedicated to showcasing its greatness through the unwavering can-do spirit of our remarkable pare-athletes.
Samson Deen
Inspiration Abounds
Though the success stories for Africa at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games are countable, nevertheless, they're giant-slaying strides.
Botswana's 21-year-old, Letsile Tebogo, made a significant impact by becoming the first African runner to win the 200m final at the Olympics Games. This achievement improved upon his medal spot in the 100m at the World Championships.
The South Sudan Men and Nigeria Women Basketball Teams have also showcased their talent in unique ways. Their historic runs will forever be referenced.
Uganda's Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, an already established cult hero, is no stranger to smashing world records. His 10,000m exploit at Paris is just one of his impressive credentials in the sport.
"We are witnesses to how Tebogo, Joshua Cheptegei, and others have admirably carried on the African legacy in the ongoing competition." "Undoubtedly, the African para-sports world eagerly awaits its turn."
"Our para-athletes, like Pieter Du Preez, Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi, and Zinabu Issah, and many others are trailblazers. With the right motivation and character, we can produce more world champions."
Breaking Political Protocol: Paris 2024 Could Be Decisive
It's worth reminiscing about the massive crackdown that has been staged since the Samson Deen-led administration took over.
The AfPC has launched media campaigns, engaged in interactive sessions, and appealed to governments, driving progress and inclusivity in African para-sports.
Naming Senator Oluremi Tinubu as grand patron demonstrates transcending boundaries mentality.
"Governments supporting Para-Sports initiatives are building a nation. We encourage First Ladies to patronize member associations."
A determined mind can achieve anything. Our para-athletes' wins in Paris will draw attention to Africa.
Samson Deen
"The success of the first African Para Games marks a significant milestone in our efforts to rally support and draw attention to disability sports on the continent."
" Governments must take the lead in this initiative. It's a process, and we're making progress."
"Building a nation on inclusivity creates a foundation for equality, diversity, and prosperity."
Ghana Faces Mixed Feelings
It has become common for Ghanaian fans to see their teams at tournaments, but now they crave medals. The fans have endured enough disappointments.
The empty Paralympic medal bag returned from Tokyo 2020 and Ghana's 4x100m relay woes at the Stade de France last week have risen the pressing question: Can Zinabu Issah, Tahiru Haruna, Isaac Obeng, and Patricia Nyamekye deliver gold, silver, or bronze?
Team Ghana is ready! Congratulations to the athletes, government, Corporate Ghana, media, and individuals who have sacrificed greatly for us to be here."
"Our target was to qualify more athletes, but unfortunately, these are the ones who made it. As the National Paralympic Committee, our goal is simple: to win medals at the Paris Paralympic Games."
"We've invested heavily in attending tournaments to give our athletes exposure, and I hope it pays off when the Games begin on August 28 to September 8, 2024." said the AfPC president.
Victor is a skilled broadcast journalist with an in-depth understanding of the sports ecosystem which spans over 8 years. He brings onboard a rich experience, having established himself as one of Ghana's finest lead commentators through major events like the African Games and the Ghana Women's Premier League.