With Ghana set to host the first-ever African Paralympic Games, the Ghana Paralympic Committee has had its scope zoomed in on some of the most skilled and promising para-athletes across the various sporting disciplines ready to represent the country.
The Ghana Paralympic project looks promising, with a clear objective of racking up medals in the immediate tournaments and the subsequent ones, the nation will be hoping the best athletes will be assembled for upcoming tournaments.
One athlete who has emerged as a future Ghana Paralympian and could be viable to represent the country in subsequent Paralympic games is Swedish-born Patrik Ifanger, a para-cycler, and an alpine skier.
Who is Patrik Ifanger?
Born on January 20, 1972, in Switzerland, Patrik was an active skier who held a trainer’s diploma and worked as a trainer for young skiers. A married man and a father of 2, he spends most of his time as a sales manager and also participates in the organization of national and international ski races.
When & why did he venture into Parasport?
After badly injuring his ankle during construction work for the Central Swiss Yodeling Festival on June 20, 2015, all the several operations Patrik underwent proved unsuccessful. Enduring a difficult time with his relatives after years of pain, his lower right leg was amputated on April 19, 2017. His healing process was very fast, and by the middle of August 2017, he was on his bike for short tours in nearby surroundings. At the end of October 2017, he managed to do laps for the first time on a road bike in Velodrome, later focusing on training regularly in a structured way on the track.
Achievements with Sports Organization
Patrik Ifanger owns a staff that includes; a trainer, coach, mechanic, masseur, and management, and works very professionally. He has materials and clothes available organized by the team.
What are his sports goals?
Patrik has a burning desire to participate in the World Championships in 2022 and 2023. He has clearly stated his wish to represent Ghana at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris in track and sprint and at the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo in the ski races. He has seemingly pledged to offer help not to only para-athletes but to all cyclists and skiers in the country.
What can he do for Parasport in Ghana?
Patrick Ifagner has declared his intentions to represent Ghana in parasports, a decision subject to certain legalities. The Swiss-born paralympian has vented that it will be “A great honor” to represent Ghana at the Paralympics in 2024 and 2026. “I would carry Ghana out into the world and try to make history with my achievements. Attention in cycling and skiing would be guaranteed, it could be the opportunity to promote these sports in the country,” he said.
The President of the African Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen, has welcomed Patrick Ifagner and also offered his undiluted support for the Swiss-born, stating that he hopes he gets formalities done so he can represent the country. He also chimed that the whole country will support the athlete as he aims to take parasports in the country to another level.
By: Michael Obeng | Metrotvonlkine.com | Ghana
