Four Ghanaian Paralympian Athletes On A Mission For 2012

With a unique training opportunity at the Right to Dream Talent Academy in Ghana, Raphael Botsyo, Anita Fordjour, Alem Memuni & Charles Nartey have been given the chance to qualify for the Paralympics London 2012.

In June 2011, four talented Ghanaian Paralympians arrived at the Right to Dream Academy to embark on an intensive training schedule in the lead up to next years paralympics. The athletes have the talent and determination to succeed and become role models for young people with disabilities.

Right to Dream are providing the elite team with an intensive training programme, administrative support, tailored nutritional programme, sports psychology, accommodation and family support and employment opportunities post London 2012. If successful at the games, the new role models will help inspire and engage with disabled children across Ghana, and promote the Right to Dream Paralympic Academy programme to attract the first generation of future young Paralympian talent.

Right to Dream is providing international coaching, qualification opportunities overseas and full-board and family support in Ghana.

Rafael Botsyo said: "I have competed in two paralympics but never won a medal because of poor preparation. Preparation is everything. Now I have the chance for good preparation to win and to change the perception of disability in my country."

Alem Memuni said: "I look at the opportunity as a dream.I crawled for 9 years before I had a stick to help me walk and now I have the chance to represent my country and help others with disability succeed in life."

Charles Nartey said: "We need to get people thinking that being physically disabled does not mean you lack ability in life. I was born a double amputee but I am a powerlifter."

Disability in Ghana

In Ghana the number of people living with disabilities is estimated at 7-10% of the 24million population (World Health Organisation). People with disabilities are often regarded as unproductive and incapable of contributing in a positive way to society, and rather seen as constituting an economic burden on the family and the society at large, which leaves them in a vicious cycle of poverty (Ghana Federation of the Disabled). Disability is both a cause and a consequence of poverty - a relationship that is particularly acute in developing countries.

Right to Dream: Ghanaian Talent Academy in partnership with Vodafone

From a dirt football pitch in Accra 11 years ago to a unique 'talent' school for Africa, Right to Dream has big ambitions for nurturing future African models through sports, academia and the arts.

Right to Dream's mission is 'to offer talented, underprivileged children the opportunity to reach their true potential in life and claim a better future for Africa'

In June 2011 the four Paralympians arrived at the Academy in Old Akradi, Eastern Region, to begin their hard year of training in an attempt to qualify for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. They join 48 young Ghanaian footballers who live full-time at the academy.

Contact for interviews and pictures:

susie.daniell@righttodream.com / +233 200510072

Online: righttodream.com & Facebook: Right to Dream Paralympians

Paralympian Athlete Profiles

Raphael Botsyo: 31 yrs. Wheelchair Track. 200m & 1500m African record holder.

Anita Fordjour: 32yrs. Wheelchair Track. Commonwealth Bronze 2010.

Alem Mumuni: 28 yrs. Paracylcing, best in Africa, ranked 7th in world, 2009

Charles Nartey: 33 yrs. Power Lifter (75kg). IPC Championship Bronze 2011.