African para-athletes praise Commonwealth Games inclusivity
African para-athletes praise the inclusivity of the Commonwealth Games' integrated schedule, stating it is helping to change African attitudes towards disability. Unlike the Paralympics, there is no separate event for para-sports at the Games, meaning medals won by disabled and non-disabled competitors contribute equally to a nation's tally. This process began in Manchester in 2002, making it the first fully inclusive international multi-sport Games. Swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe, Uganda's team captain in Glasgow, told BBC World Service, "Sport really is a huge pusher for change."
Kukundakwe added, "It shows that para-swimming or para-sport just deserves the same kind of recognition, funding, sponsoring." The Games were originally supposed to be held in the Australian state of Victoria, but it dropped out in July 2023 due to funding issues. Glasgow stepped in as a slimmed-down replacement, resulting in 10 sports being cut from the schedule. Despite this, a record 47 para events will take place across six of the 10 remaining sports. Mauritian wheelchair racer Noemie Alphonse said, "We are able to showcase what we are able to do and our sports also." She added, "We are seen as on the same level." Alphonse also stated, "We are really happy that the mindset changed and they are seeing that we are able to contribute to our country." Kukundakwe is 19.
Quick Summary
African para-athletes are praising the inclusive nature of the Commonwealth Games' integrated schedule, which is helping to change attitudes towards
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: Adom Online
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from Adom Online
Related Stories
More from Sports
'We shall always adore you' - Ablakwa tells Benjamin Asare during courtesy visit
Discover why Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzoku Ablakwa's recent meeting with Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has captured national
1h ago•2 min read
Chelsea in talks for Villa set-piece guru MacPhee
Chelsea is eyeing a key acquisition from Aston Villa, a move that could reshape their tactical approach and spark a bidding war.
2h ago•2 min read
Kotoko, Hearts of Oak leaders hold talks to boost Ghana football ahead of 2026/27 season
Ghana's football giants, Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, are exploring new ways to collaborate off the pitch-find out what's on their agenda.
1d ago•3 min read
I felt I would be sack after weeks of my reappointment as Black Stars coach - Otto Addo
Otto Addo's recent reflections shed light on the internal dynamics during his second stint as Black Stars coach, hinting at a precarious situation
1d ago•2 min read
