By Rihana Adam, GNA
Accra, July 21, GNA – The Ghana Badminton Association (GBA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Special Olympics Ghana to strengthen the development of para badminton and promote sports participation among persons with intellectual disabilities.
The partnership, witnessed by representatives of the Ghana Olympic Committee, the Badminton Confederation of Africa, and Special Olympics International, is expected to create pathways for athletes with intellectual disabilities to actively participate in badminton at both national and international levels.
Mr Evans Yeboah, President of the Ghana Badminton Federation, said badminton was a sport for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or ability, making inclusion a key priority of the federation.
He described Special Olympics Ghana as a remarkable development partner whose collaboration would deepen opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities through badminton.
He said, “As part of this partnership, we have trained Special Olympics teachers through the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Confederation of Africa’s coaching programme to equip them with the knowledge and skills to teach badminton to persons with intellectual disabilities.”
Mr Yeboah said the MoU would strengthen collaboration among Ghana Badminton, the Badminton Confederation of Africa, the Badminton World Federation, Special Olympics Ghana, and Special Olympics International.
He said the agreement would further promote the inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities in sports and demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that people of all abilities, races, and genders have equal opportunities to participate in sports.
Looking ahead, he noted that preparations had already begun for next year’s major Special Olympics events, with Ghana Badminton and Special Olympics Ghana working together to develop a pathway for young athletes with intellectual disabilities to represent the country.
He expressed appreciation to the Ghana Olympic Committee, the Badminton Confederation of Africa, the Board of Special Olympics Ghana, and Special Olympics International for supporting the initiative.
Dr Reda Ahmed, Development Manager of the Badminton Confederation of Africa, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a model for other African countries.
He said the Confederation had worked closely with Special Olympics Africa over the past few months to make the collaboration possible.
He said, “This partnership will provide athletes with more sporting opportunities and enjoyable experiences through badminton. We will work with Special Olympics Africa to showcase Ghana’s success so that other African countries can replicate the initiative.”
Dr Ebenezer Owusu, a Board Member of Special Olympics Ghana, described the agreement as another milestone in the organisation’s efforts to expand sporting opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.
He said: “Our focus is on sports and healthy lifestyles for persons with disabilities. With this partnership, badminton becomes another sport through which we can engage and empower our athletes.”
Mr Kamal Sulley, representing the Ghana Olympic Committee, commended the Ghana Badminton Federation for demonstrating that sports should be inclusive and accessible to all.
He urged other national sports federations to emulate the federation’s example and develop similar partnerships to ensure that no one was left behind in sports development.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant step towards advancing inclusive sports in Ghana and expanding opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities through badminton.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade