Samson Deen, the president of the African Paralympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, urges para-athletes to fast during Ramadan to promote unity and discipline.
Mr. Deen recently donated food items, including rice, oil, sugar, and tomatoes, to Paralympic federations and their athletes in Accra, Ghana.
This generous donation showcases Deen’s benevolence and highlights the importance of unity and collaboration within the Paralympic community. Mrs Ayishetu Farida Iddriss speaks about the donations.
The athletes, deeply moved by the donation, expressed their gratitude and assured Deen that they would do their best to make the country proud, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Fasting and Athletic Performance
Fasting during Ramadan can be challenging for athletes, as they must abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. However, with proper planning and nutrition, athletes can maintain their performance levels during this period, understanding the difficulties they face.
According to experts, athletes should focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods during Suhoor (a pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (a post-sunset meal) to support training and recovery, Samson Deen Said during a conversation with the athletes.
Additionally, athletes should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages during non-fasting hours.
Training and Competition
While fasting, athletes may need to adjust their training schedules and intensity to avoid fatigue and injury.
Some athletes prefer to train after Iftar when they have had a chance to rest and rehydrate, while others may opt for lighter training sessions on the day – Deen said.
Ultimately, the key to success for para-athletes during Ramadan is to balance their spiritual obligations and athletic commitments.
With the right mindset, nutrition, and training strategies, athletes can maintain their performance levels and benefit from the discipline and unity that fasting promotes, giving them the reassurance and confidence they need.
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