Duku Festival Para-Cycling Event Showcases Talent and Inclusivity
On New Year’s Day 2025, the Duku Festival, in collaboration with the Ghana Cycling Federation, organized the 2nd edition of the Duku Festival Road Race Prelude Para-Cycling event.
Held at the Osu Castle Total Filling Station in Accra, the event celebrated the athleticism and resilience of persons with disabilities, featuring six competitive categories: Male Tandem, Female Tandem, Male and Female Hand Cycling, and Male and Female Amputee divisions.
Justice Awuku, Chairman of the Duku Festival Cycling Race, emphasized the motivation behind the event, stating, “We noticed that physically challenged individuals have been marginalized, so we decided to organize a special event for them.”
Awuku expressed satisfaction with both the participation and competitive spirit of the athletes. “It was mind-boggling to see a blind person riding a bicycle. It was very interesting and competitive, so I think thumbs up to them.”
The event’s broader mission was to advocate for inclusion and provide a platform to highlight the extraordinary abilities of individuals with disabilities. Awuku appealed to corporate entities to support para-cycling initiatives, adding,
“We can’t continue to marginalize them. We have taken it upon ourselves to organize this event every year, and we hope to do it on a bigger stage.”
Frederick Assor, a celebrated Ghanaian para-athlete who finished third, praised the organizers for fostering camaraderie and competition among participants. “This event has taken a lot of stress off us. We come together, meet friends, have fun, and compete,” Assor shared.
Shaaban Mohammed, General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation, hailed the event as a remarkable success, pointing to the high-caliber performances and encouraging support for para-athletes.
“The performance was amazing, and the prizes were impressive. We’re encouraged by the opportunities this event presents for para-cyclists in Ghana,” he noted.
This year’s event was supported by sponsors, including Dot Ateliers, Mr. D. J. Hyun (President of Derbywheel Incorporated), and the Association for Sports Federation On Disability (ASFOD).
As it continues to gain momentum, the Duku Festival Para-Cycling event is setting a powerful example by breaking barriers, championing inclusivity, and highlighting the potential of athletes with disabilities in Ghana’s sporting community.