President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC) as well as the Ghana National Paralympic Committee (NPC), Mr. Samson Deen has urged sports administrators, especially the Federation Presidents not to wait for government before getting ready for the upcoming African Games to be hosted in Accra, Ghana next year.
He advised them to start preparing and grooming their best athletes and train them well to win medals to put Ghana among the best five nations.
Speaking as a Special Guest on HSTV Sports Program, Ultimate Sports he also inspired the youth who love sports to get involved in the organization of the Games, and be positive minded that Ghana willl host one of the best sports festivals.
As President of the APC, his vision is to change the face and mentality of African Paralympic sports.
“Sports is run with massive marketing and sponsorship. I don’t like my athletes to go begging. As a Sports Personality you must present yourself well to be attractive” he expressed.
According to him, Ghana’s strength in Para sports is in indoor sports and Powerlifting.
He was not enthused about the expensive travel system,, that does not encourage poor African athletes to compete.
He visited the IPC in 2019 and made an impact, by promoting African athletes and soliciting support
“Now we have the unique opportunity to host first African Paralympic Games in Ghana during or after the African Games in 2023.
“Let’s put our selfish and personal interests away and be positive in managing sports in Ghana. We have to be vibrant, popular and powerful to make a statement in African Sports.
He commended the leadership of disciplines like hockey, badminton, golf, swimming, weightlifting, body building and football especially for always on the go, not waiting for the Ministry of Youth and Sports who may delay in the release of funds. He advised sports federstions to prepare and present their budget on time and present their road map towards the African Games to the LOC or Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Samson Deen was highly optimistic that Ghana will host a successful African Games in 2023.
The CEO of African Origin and Sports Tourism took some time to educate and inform sports fans and journalists on the upcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham, UK.
African Origin has been appointed as Official Travel Agency to handle Ghanaians traveling to the Commonwealth Games and U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
More Stories
Joseph Awinongya Jr is 22 times USA nationals champion
Ghanaian boxing in 2024: A year of highs and lows
Who becomes Ghana’s Next Sports Minister? The Debate Begins