Ghanaian Para-Athlete Honored with Prestigious Award at World Para Camping in South Korea

At the 2024 Korean Paralympic Camping (KPC) held in Incheon, South Korea, Ghanaian delegate Michael Obeng was honored with an honorary award for his outstanding participation in the event. The KPC 2024 brought together 60 delegates from various countries, including athletes, coaches, and officials, all of whom were there to receive specialized training in preparation for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Michael Obeng, the head of the Ghanaian delegation, led a team of three promising para-athletes: Akotoh Bryan Baffour Kwadjo, a para-swimmer; Aheto Promise Wonder, also a para-swimmer; and Judith Adu Yeboah, a para-badminton player. The camp offered a wide range of activities, including educational lectures, sports training sessions, and cultural experiences, all designed to help participants improve their skills and prepare for future international competitions.

During the event, delegates had the opportunity to engage in practical training in swimming, badminton, and Taekwondo. These sessions were facilitated by experienced coaches, and the participants also had the chance to take part in a tour that highlighted Korean culture, providing a valuable cultural exchange component to the program. Furthermore, the camp featured both opening and closing ceremonies, during which highlights from previous events were showcased.

As a mark of recognition for their involvement, each participant was presented with medals and certificates of participation. Michael Obeng and his team received awards for their dedication, demonstrating their commitment to the development of para-sports. The event served as an important step in the athletes’ development, helping them build the skills and knowledge necessary for the upcoming global events.

In his closing remarks, Michael Obeng expressed profound gratitude to the event organizers and the President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana, Mr. Samson Deen, for making their participation in KPC 2024 possible. Obeng was particularly enthusiastic about the educational value of the camp, which provided insights not only into sports but also into the broader world of para-athletics.

“I’m thrilled to have been part of this educational experience, and I want to thank the organizers for giving us this platform to grow and learn,” Michael Obeng said. “A special thank you goes to Mr. Samson Deen, the president of NPC Ghana, for supporting our participation. We have gained a wealth of knowledge over the past few days, and we hope to bring these lessons back to Ghana to share with our fellow athletes,” he added.

The KPC 2024 orientation program, which lasted for eight days from November 5 to November 13, was not only an opportunity for training but also a time for networking and building international relationships. For the Ghanaian delegation, the event was crucial for both their athletic development and for fostering a deeper understanding of para-sports practices around the world.

The event in Incheon is particularly significant for Ghana’s para-athletes as it reflects the country’s growing commitment to the advancement of para-sports. The Ghanaian team’s participation and the recognition they received at the camp underscore the increasing support and attention being given to athletes with disabilities in the country.

The experience and knowledge gained from the KPC will undoubtedly help these athletes excel in upcoming competitions, especially as they continue to prepare for the 2028 Paralympic Games. Additionally, the event highlighted the importance of international collaboration in para-sports, with Ghanaian athletes gaining exposure to global best practices and connecting with peers from other countries.

Michael Obeng and his team’s participation in the 2024 Korean Paralympic Camping was a pivotal moment in their journey toward international excellence. The honorary award given to Obeng is a testament to his leadership and dedication to the development of para-athletes in Ghana. With the continued support of the NPC and international programs like the KPC, the future of Ghana’s para-sports community looks brighter than ever.