Special Olympic team returns home with ten medals

Accra, July 11, Ghana's Special Olympic team returned from the 11th Edition of the Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Dublin Ireland with ten medals.

Mr. Sam A. Nelson, Chairman of the Ghana Special Olympic who disclosed this at a press briefing on Friday said the team won four gold, four bronze and two silver.

He said eight athletes participated in 18 track and field events and came out with flying colours adding that the mentally retarded children have brought honour to the country.

Mr. Nelson said Ghana would have participated in other games such as five and 11-a-side soccer but due to circumstances beyond their control they could not do so.

According to Mr. Nelson, over the years, the nation had participated in the Special Olympics World Games and has won 44 medals. He said none of the sporting disciplines has ever achieved this for the country and stressed the need for people to understand and appreciate the Special Olympic Programme.

The Specially Olympic Game, which was held between June 21-29, is specially designed for disabled children. More than 160 countries participated.

Among the athletes who represented the country are, Julius Osekre, Tukieya Komla, Kofi Ahorli, Asuma Lotof, Faustina Lawoe, Veronica Gyapong, Hanna Mensah and Adwoa Achiri.