On his eve 13th African Games starting from Accra on March 8Olympic world champion and respected Sports Equity™ Member of the board of the laboratory Dr. Edwin Moses will lend its support to a ground-breaking initiative that showcases some of Africa’s top athletes.
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With a spearhead Sports Equity™ Lab (SEL) With the support of the African Union Sports Council, Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and Swiss sportswear company On, the campaign titled Victory in Unitywill unveil an awe-inspiring 10m-tall installation featuring six iconic sports figures hailed as ‘African Giants’.
Those featured in the lineup include luminaries such as Ferial Abdelazizthe first Egyptian karateka to win Olympic gold. Raphael Botsyo Nkegbethe first Ghanaian to qualify for the 2020 Paralympics. Noemi Alphonsethe first Mauritian para-athlete to reach a Paralympic Games final. Mpumelelo MhlongoParalympic champion in many world championships. Hellen Obirme, the only woman to win world titles in indoor track, outdoor track and cross country. and Abedi Ayew Pelewho is considered one of the greatest football players of all time.
These figures, known for their indomitable spirit and unparalleled achievements, symbolize the triumph of human resilience in the face of adversity, SEL founder Prof. Dr. Yetsa Tuakli-Wosornu says.
“Despite facing a myriad of challenges – limited resources, inadequate funding and systemic biases – Africa continues to produce a constellation of stellar athletes who defy the odds and carve their names into sporting history year after year and generation after generation,” points out. .
“We are grateful for the opportunity to add value to the Games with this campaign. demonstrating our unwavering commitment to driving inclusion and the transformative power of sport as a catalyst for social good.”
Dr. Edwin Moses, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who is currently in the Guinness Book of World Records for winning 122 consecutive 400m hurdles in the 70s-80s, says:At the Sports Equity™ Lab, we strongly believe in harnessing the power of sport to promote inclusion and promote positive change. I am honored to be in Ghana to support the Victory in Unity campaign, which strives to harness sport as a vehicle for social progress.”
The African Games, to be hosted 4,000 athletes representing over 50 nations across the continent, will serve as the backdrop for this monumental initiative. Located at the entrance of the University of Ghana, the interactive art installation invites participants to contribute their photographs, symbolizing solidarity with the athletes and embodying their stories.
Director of Sports at the University of Ghana, Dr Bella Bello Bitugu says:’Integrating sporting equality into the essence and mission of the Games reinforces their spirit and vision, aiming to mobilize, celebrate and uplift. Through the Sports Equity™ Lab we deeply celebrate past achievements alongside today’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of giving back to society and providing opportunities for youth and future generations.’
Navalayo Osembothe head of Africa for On adds: “As one of the premier sporting events on the African continent with 4000 athletes from over 50 African countries competing in 29 different sports, the reach and relevance of the African Games is unparalleled. Being present at this impressive event and helping to further the Sports Equity Lab’s mission to increase inclusion and reduce inequalities in sport is vital work for us, especially as On’s commitment to Africa is still in its early stages.’
The Victory in Unity The installation will be available to the public for interaction between March 8 and 12.
Dr. Tuakli-Wosornu, who has previously represented Ghana in the women’s long jump, concludes: “Winning in unity is the epitome of African excellence: we are stronger together. Champions of all backgrounds in one campaign light a flame of solidarity and pride as we move towards a fairer sporting landscape for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming visitors and stakeholders to the experience.”
Visit Victory in Unity website
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