Accra, May 27, GNA – Mr. Peter Adjei, Secretary-General of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC), has said his outfit has submitted a proposal to the government for assistance in view of the COVID 19 pandemic, that has led to the suspension of sporting activities in Ghana.
The NPC is the body that supervises the activities of persons with disabilities in sports in the country.
Speaking in an interview with the GNA Sports, Mr. Adjei said they have since the outbreak of the pandemic submitted proposals to the Presidency, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA) in search of assistance for disabled athletes.
According to Mr. Adjei, the call for assistance had become necessary following the plight of the disabled athletes most of who are unemployed and relied on sports and participation in international games as their main source of income.
Mr. Adjei said, though they were yet to get an official response from the various bodies, he had received a call from the Ministry assuring him of the needed assistance at the appropriate time.
He said unlike the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was not financially sound to assist the various NPC’s under it.
“This is why our plight had become pressing and calls for immediate government intervention.
“We are managing disabled athletes with very difficult living condition and we are pleading with the government to come to our aid. We are unable to train and compete in any form of competition.
“It is obvious our people are struggling and needs immediate assistance,” he added.
Mr. Adjei said the postponement of the 2020 Paralympic Games and other events had had a negative toll on them and they were looking forward to an improvement in the situation to continue with their activities.
GNA