Ghana get 3rd rep at Rio 2016 paralympics

Ghana has been given a third slot at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after para high jumper Yusif Awudu was granted a universal place by the International Paralympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee has confirmed.

Yussif is a multi-discipline specialist and last competed in the javelin and shot put events at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo-Brazzaville.

Born and raised in Bawku in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Yusif will become Ghana’s first para high jumper to compete at the Olympic Games when he participates in the global showpiece in Rio later this year.

The news follows the earlier success stories of Ghana’s powerlifter Charles Narh Teye and the nation’s first para cyclist Alem Mumuni, both of whom secured their respective places at the Games after participating in some international qualifiers.

Ghana was represented by four para athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games namely: three-time Olympian Raphael Botyso Nkegbe, wheelchair athlete Anita Fordjour, power lifter Charles Narh Teye and para cyclist Alem Mumuni.