31st August 2004

Ghana receives two Wild Cards for their first Paralympics

In an effort to encourage as wide a participation in the Paralympics as possible the IPC conceded wild cards to two of Ghanas athletes.

Ghana did not originally qualify to be part of the paralympic games since she had not fulfilled the admission criteria for being a full member of the Paralympics. As a result Ghana's athletes had not competed in any pre-qualifing events.

Ghana will now be represented by Ajara Mohammed to compete in the 800 meters with Botsyo Nkegbe also competing in the 100 metres, 200metres and 400 metres at the paralympics.

Mr Hornsby-Odoi (President Ghana Paralympic Committee) thanked Ghanas Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Council, the Ghana Olympic Committee and all companies and individuals who supported the athletes in diverse ways towards their preparations for the Athens Games.

He said it is hoped that the experience gained so far will be brought to bear on future competitions.