President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, Samson Deen, has rallied the Black Challenge to remain confident and focused, describing Gold Fields Ghana’s support as a major boost to amputee football and a sign of growing recognition for the team.
Speaking during Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s visit to the team’s camp at Mendiata Hotel in Accra, Deen expressed appreciation to the company and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for their support.
He described the intervention as a moment the team had been waiting for over several years.
“We are very grateful to the Ghana Football Association and Gold Fields. This is what we have been looking for, for many years,” he said.
The NPC Ghana President, however, urged sporting institutions to extend similar support to other sports federations, stressing the need for unity and cooperation in Ghanaian sports.
“It shouldn’t end with us. They should spread it to all the other sports federations. We needed to help one another,” he appealed.
He explained that the support should go beyond the Black Challenge and create opportunities for other sporting disciplines to attract sponsors, gain recognition and develop their athletes.
Drawing on his experience in sports administration, Deen acknowledged the challenges athletes face when they feel their needs receive less attention. He therefore called for stronger collaboration among sporting institutions to ensure that athletes across different disciplines receive the support they deserve.
Addressing the players, he also encouraged them to remain focused despite the outstanding bonuses owed to them for 2024.
Although he did not give a specific payment date, Deen expressed confidence that the players would receive their outstanding bonuses.
“What you need is this recognition, this recognition that you are getting today,” he told the team.
He further recalled Gold Fields’ previous contributions to Ghanaian football, describing the company’s involvement with the Black Challenge as a welcome development for amputee football.
Deen urged the players to appreciate the support they were receiving and use the opportunity to push forward in their sporting careers.
He also expressed gratitude to Gold Fields Ghana for its commitment, saying: “We appreciate what you have done. God bless you for what you have done.”
The visit and support have brought renewed encouragement to the Black Challenge, while Deen’s message has highlighted the need for greater corporate involvement and cooperation to promote the development of other sporting disciplines in Ghana.
