The performance of Ghanaian powerlifter – Emmanuel Nii Tettey Oku at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games has earned him USD$5000 from a good Samaritan who watched him perform in the men’s 72kg competition.
According to the Japanese benefactor who want to remain anonymous said he was inspired by the composure of the athlete in addition to his overall performance.
He later revealed that after reading in the Japanese daily newspaper and reviews on television about the feat chalked up by Emmanuel Nii Tetteh Oku, he was moved to help the young athlete who made his first Paralympic appearance.
The Japanese revealed later that he lived in Ghana for more than 2 years in the 60’s and has since been drawn to Ghana.
The NPC President Mr. Samson Deen thanked him on behalf of the athlete and assured him of greater successes. It is on record that Nkegbe Botsyo has made the most Paralympic appearances for Ghana, contesting in the T54 sprint events at three consecutive editions of the games between 2004 and 2012.
Anita Fordjour has achieved the highest ranking of an athlete from Ghana, placing seventh in both T53 100m and T53 200m at the 2012 games in London before the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games which Emmanuel Nii Tettey Oku has beaten to take the most mark ever achieved by a Ghanaian at the Paralympic Games in Powerlifting.
Emmanuel Nii Tettey Oku finished 7th in the men’s 72kg category.
Credit: Theo Sampah
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