The Ghana Deaf Sports Federation has officially proclaimed its preparation for the forthcoming 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, in collaboration with ASA Plus Destination.
Participants in deaf handball, athletics, football, canoeing, and rowing, among other sports, will compete over the course of 15 days.
The 24th Deaflympics are set to take place in Caxias do Sul from May 1 to 15, 2022.
Speaking at the official launch in Accra on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, the Ghana Deaf Sports Federation revealed plans to make a positive impact at the games.
Mr. Jonathan Amuah, the President of the Ghana Deaf Sports Federation said “We have traveled to many tournaments in Denmark and Turkey but anytime we go we always learn something new and anytime we want to travel, it is because of financial constraint but now we have ASA Plus coming on board to support us so we believe we are going to do better than the previous years.”
“We also have the media here, we want to plead with you all to go and do the publicity. When we go and win it is for all of us in general,” he added .
They also requested help from the government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the GOC for the games.
“Please try and help us speak to the GOC and other institutions to help us get the necessary support that we need. Deaf people are suffering here, other countries like Nigeria and Kenya have support from their government and people, but what about Ghana? Please support the Ghana Deaf Sports Federation so we can go to Brazil to perform”, he stressed.
During an engagement with the media, the Federation revealed that the Executives have put measures in place to make sure Ghana gets a medal.
They stressed on the importance of taking part in Denmark and Turkey, indicating that it played a positive impact.
“The federation was established in 1994 and we have gone through a lot of challenges. In 2004 we had very strong coordination, we joined the international bodies because we wanted people to hear us both home and abroad and know what deaf sports is about.
We have the games coming up in a few months’ time, and it will be prudent for the sports minister to use his esteemed office to help us. We also call on the Ghana Olympic Committee president, Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, and other bodies to come to our aid”, he said.
“We have participated in other past events and due to lack of funds and support we couldn’t win any medal but we were able to make a mark on the international scene and people heard about Ghana. So we want to plead to Ghanaians to support us.”
Mr. Abraham Sarbeng, the Chief Executive Officer of ASA Plus Destinations, welcomed the partnership and assured the federation of his full commitment ahead of the games in Brazil.
