GAA to offer disabled athletes slots at its next Grand Prix

Maputo, Mozambique, Sept. 18, GNA - The Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) is considering offering disabled athletes slots to participate in the second edition of the GAA Grand Prix.

At the GAA Grand Prix, some of the Disabled Athletes will be provided the opportunity to participate in selected events to be determined by the Association ahead of the second edition of the event next year.

Professor Francis Dodoo, President of GAA, told the GNA Sports that the move was to provide disabled athletes the opportunity to compete and keep them busy in the course of the year.

He said the athletes need to be in competition to keep up their form adding, providing them with an opportunity to compete in the Grand Prix would increase their activities for the year.

According to Professor Dodoo, the decision was influenced by the sterling performance of the disable team in the just ended All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.

Ajara Mohamed, won two of Ghana's gold medal in the 1500 and 400 meters, whilst Patrick Acheampong won Silver in the Men's 1500, with Anita Fodjour and Patrick Obeng winning bronze in the same division.

The GAA president said the disable athletes would be made to compete in some few events and was of the belief that, it would enhance Ghana's chances of winning more medals in future events.

Professor Dodoo, who has expressed his desire to contest the impending GOC election, stated that, the decision was also part of their contribution to the development of disable sports.

He lauded the contribution of disabled athletes in the All Africa Games, who accounted for five out of the 19 medals won by Ghana at the Maputo event.