The Ghana Wheelchair Tennis team is seizing every opportunity in the vibrant city of Argenteuil, France to prepare for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Amidst a backdrop of global anticipation, their rigorous training regimen and unwavering determination are setting a powerful precedent in the world of adaptive sports.
With the ghost of COVID-19 slowly receding since the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Games, all eyes are now firmly fixed on Paris, where the 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be a spectacle like no other. For the Ghana Wheelchair Tennis team, this journey began in earnest with a strategic pre-games camp hosted in Argenteuil, solidifying their preparations and fostering international collaboration.
The city of Argenteuil, in a visionary move, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ghana Paralympic Committee, affirming their commitment to support the team throughout their qualifying and pre-games training phases. Mayor Georges Mothron expressed his delight in hosting the team, emphasizing the cultural and sporting exchange between France and Ghana.
“We are happy to host the Ghana Wheelchair Tennis team in our city; this arrangement will be available to the team before, during and after the Paralympics games as an exchange between the two countries,” Mayor Mothron remarked, underscoring the significance of global solidarity in sports.
Led by National Wheelchair Tennis Coach Yahya Macaulay and supported by Henry Larbi from the Ghana Tennis Federation, the team comprising Bridget Nartey, Stacy Konadu Mensah, Daniel Laryea, and Bernard Yawson embarked on a transformative two-week residential training camp at the prestigious Argenteuil Henri Burg Tennis Centre near Paris. This intensive period, commencing on July 15 and concluding on July 28, 2024, served as a crucible for honing their skills and fine-tuning strategies ahead of the upcoming Games.
“The dedication shown by our players is truly inspiring,” commented Coach Yahya Macaulay. “They have embraced every opportunity to elevate their performance, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence.”
Currently awaiting qualification confirmation from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the team remains optimistic about their prospects. The qualification results, expected by August 5, 2024, will determine their participation in the prestigious event, where they aim to make a significant impact on the global stage.
For the Ghana Wheelchair Tennis team, the road to Paris 2024 has been paved with determination, resilience, and unwavering support from their hosts in Argenteuil. As they prepare to represent their nation with pride, their journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of sport in breaking barriers and fostering international camaraderie.
Source: National paralymptic committee
