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With Ghana set to host the inaugural African Paralympic Games, the Ghana Paralympic Committee has focused on identifying highly skilled and promising para-athletes from various sports disciplines to represent the country.
The Ghana Paralympic project shows great promise, aiming to secure medals in upcoming and future tournaments. The nation is eager to assemble a formidable team of athletes for these competitions. Patrik Ifanger, a para-cyclist and alpine skier born in Sweden, stands out as a potential future Ghana Paralympian.
Who is Patrik Ifanger?
Born on January 20, 1972, in Switzerland, Patrik Ifanger was an avid skier who also worked as a trainer for young skiers, holding a trainer’s diploma. He is a married father of two and works as a sales manager. He actively takes part in organizing national and international ski races.
Takes partPatrik’s journey into Parasport began after a severe ankle injury sustained during construction work for the Central Swiss Yodeling Festival on June 20, 2015. Despite undergoing multiple unsuccessful operations, his lower right leg continued to cause him significant pain. Eventually, on April 19, 2017, he decided to undergo amputation. Remarkably, his recovery progressed rapidly, and by mid-August 2017, he was already cycling short distances in the nearby area. Towards the end of October 2017, he completed his first laps on a road bike at Velodrome, subsequently focusing on structured training sessions on the track.
Sports Achievements and Support System Patrik Ifanger has established a dedicated support team consisting of a trainer, coach, mechanic, masseur, and management.
He approaches his sporting endeavors in a highly professional manner, with organized equipment and apparel provided by the team.
Patrik harbors a strong desire to participate in the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. He has explicitly expressed his wish to represent Ghana in track and sprint events at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris and ski races at the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo. He has committed to supporting para-athletes and all cyclists and skiers in Ghana.
Patrik Ifanger intends to represent Ghana in parasports, pending necessary legal procedures. The Swiss-born paralympian regards the opportunity to represent Ghana at the 2024 and 2026 Paralympics as a tremendous honor. He aims to showcase Ghana globally and make history with his achievements. By doing so, he can draw attention to cycling and skiing in the country, promoting these sports. The President of the African Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen, warmly welcomed Patrik Ifanger, expressing unwavering support for him. He hopes the required formalities will be completed soon so Patrik can officially represent the country. Deen also emphasized that the nation stands behind the athlete, eager to elevate parasports in Ghana to new heights.
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Source: Omanghana.com
