Deaflympics athletes call for president’s blessing ahead of summer games

Members of Ghana's Deaflympics contingent is patiently waiting for a courtesy call from the President of the land HE Nana Akuffu Addo to bless them before they depart for the July 17-30 Summer Deaflympics Games in Samsun, Turkey.

Previously known as the World Games for the Deaf, the Deaflympics have been sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee since the 1924 inaugural games in Paris and are held every four years just as the regular Olympic Games.

The competitions are held separately from the Paralympics and Special Olympics, and they are different in that contestants are unable to hear starters’ guns, whistles or bullhorns.

The Deaflympics were the first official sporting events for people with disabilities.

President of the Federation Mr Jonathan Amoah is calling for HE Nana Addo to give them his blessings before the entire team depart from the country.

"I know things are very difficult for us to go but I strongly believe that we shall go and make the nation proud, all we calling for is the Blessing of HE Nana Akuffu Addo" he told Takoradi base Sports Journalist Kobby Stonne

Ghana will be represented in the silent sport competitions in Athletics, tennis, Taewondo, mountain cycling and shooting. Deaflympics as in the Paralympics, from which teams have come home with gold, silver and bronze medals. Ghana can boast as west African champions and silver medalist in football ahead of the Summer Deaflympics.