The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Para Athletics Association, successfully kicked off its long-anticipated National Talent Identification Program on Saturday, 12th July 2025.
The inaugural event took place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, marking a major step towards discovering and developing future para-athletes for national and international competition.
The Zone-1 event drew over 29 participants with physical impairments or disabilities from Kumasi and surrounding areas, including Offinso, Konongo, Beposo, Asante Mampong, and KNUST.
Ranging in age from 15 to 43, the participants were introduced to core skills in various para athletics disciplines such as wheelchair racing, 100m, 200m, javelin, shot put, and discus.
The training was led by Coach Suleman Aminu, former national athlete Patrick Yaw Obeng, and Paralympian Zinabu Issah.
The one-day exercise yielded promising results, with 15 potential athletes identified for further development. In addition to scouting talent, the initiative allowed organizers to collect valuable data for building a comprehensive national database on para athletics.
The Ghana Para Athletics Association extended its appreciation to the National Lotteries Authority for its support, as well as to NPC President Samson Deen, Association Chairman Foster Kwarteng, Dr. Isaac Donkor, Dr. Abena Tannor, Ignatius Elletey, Imoro Abdul Basit, and other executive members for their contributions to the program’s success.
The next talent hunt is scheduled for Saturday, 19th July 2025, at the Cape Coast Stadium in the Central Region.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Christian Kobby Quarshie
