By Isaac Tetteh
The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana has officially welcomed Professor Youhwan Kim as its new Technical Advisor and Sports Development Director. The introduction ceremony took place at the NPC-Ghana Secretariat in Accra, signaling the start of Professor Kim’s one-year tenure dedicated to enhancing the landscape of para-sports in the country. This initiative is part of a broader effort to elevate the status of athletes with disabilities and promote inclusivity in sports.
During the ceremony, NPC-Ghana President Samson Deen expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Korean Government, the Korean National Paralympic Committee, and KOICA for their unwavering support of Ghana’s Paralympic movement. Deen emphasized the importance of international collaboration in fostering sports development, particularly for athletes with disabilities, and highlighted the positive impact that Professor Kim’s expertise will have on the local sporting community.
Professor Kim, who has been deployed by the Korean Government through KOICA, brings a rich background in para-sports development to his new role. In his address, he conveyed his enthusiasm for working in Ghana and his commitment to advancing para sports across Africa.
“I can see the excitement from the streets, and I believe Ghana has a bright future in para-sports,” he stated, underscoring his dedication to making a meaningful contribution during his time in the country.”
The NPC-Ghana has set forth several objectives for Professor Kim’s tenure, which include providing technical advice, enhancing capacity building, and creating a strategic roadmap for Ghana’s qualification events leading up to the 2028 Paralympic Games. These initiatives aim to empower athletes with disabilities and ensure they have the necessary support and resources to compete at the highest levels.
The appointment of Professor Kim marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of para-sports in Ghana. With his guidance and expertise, the NPC-Ghana is well-positioned to foster an environment where athletes with disabilities can thrive and achieve their dreams on the international stage, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive sporting culture in the nation.
