Charles Narh Teye, Ghanaian powerlifter, qualifies for London 2012 Paralympic Games
Ghanaian powerlifter, Charles Narh Teye, has received official confirmation that he has qualified to compete for Ghana at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Having won a Gold Medal at an event in Cardiff earlier this year and competed in Dubai at one of the largest international Powerlifting competitions, Charles has worked hard to successfully secure his position at what will be the largest Paralympic Games in history.
Charles commented, ‘I am so happy to receive this good news – I could not believe it when I received the call. Qualifying for London 2012 is not easy but sport made me realize I could do everything able people can so I will use this opportunity to help others believe this too.’
Charles is one of four para-athletes who are currently supported by the Right to Dream Paralympic Programme. Since June of last year, he has been receiving expert coaching along with sports psychology and a tailored nutritional programme to help him reach his true potential and qualify for Ghana at London 2012. However, qualifying for London is not the end of the athletes’ mission; they are all determined to use this opportunity and platform to change the perception of disability in Ghana from a negative to a positive one and to inspire the next generation of talent to become world-class athletes.
Charles has come a long way to get to where he is today. Having suffered from a wasting disease in his legs at a very young age, Charles underwent a double transtibal amputation. Growing up, Charles had a difficult and lonely childhood, experiencing ostracisation at school as his peers believed they would catch his disability. Since Charles enrolled in the Right to Dream Paralympic Programme he has improved his lifting weight by 30kg and is now heading to what will be the biggest Paralympic Games in history.
Susie Daniell, Head of Paralympic Programme commented, ‘Charles has demonstrated a great deal of dedication, hard work and passion for powerlifting and for raising awareness about disability in Ghana. It is fantastic news that he has qualified for the Games and we have no doubt that he will do Ghana proud’.
In addition to training for London 2012, Charles also currently manages the Tema branch of Pippa’s Health Centre where he has been encouraged and supported to pursue his elite sporting talent over a number of years.
The Right to Dream Paralympic Programme is kindly sponsored by Hull Blyth, Aviance, Pippa’s Health Centre and PHC Motors.
By Erasmus Kwaw