American Olympic Gold Medalist and renowned sports figure, Dr. Edwin Moses, is gearing up to participate in the unveiling of a monumental 10-meter tall installation, honoring six iconic sports personalities celebrated as ‘African Giants.’
The initiative, led by Sports Equity™ Lab (SEL) in collaboration with the African Union Sports Council, Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Swiss sportswear company On, is titled ‘Victory in Unity.’ The grand unveiling is scheduled to take place at the University of Ghana Stadium on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, just before the commencement of the 13th African games dubbed ‘ACCRA 2023’ on March 8th, 2024.
The lineup of revered icons to be featured in the installation includes luminaries such as Feryal Abdelaziz, the first female Egyptian karateka to win Olympic gold; Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, the first Ghanaian to qualify for the 2020 Paralympics; Noemi Alphonse, the first Mauritian para-athlete to reach a Paralympic Games final; Mpumelelo Mhlongo, a multi-world championship Paralympic Games medalist; Hellen Obiri, the only woman to have won world titles in indoor track, outdoor track, and cross country; and Abedi Ayew Pele, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Professor Dr. Yetsa Tuakli-Wosornu, founder of Sports Equity™ Lab, emphasized Africa’s enduring legacy of producing exceptional athletes despite facing numerous challenges. The installation aims to celebrate and honor these athletes’ remarkable achievements, underscoring their resilience and impact on the sporting landscape.
Navalayo Osembo, Head of Africa for On, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Sports Equity Lab’s mission of promoting inclusion and reducing inequities in sports. As the African Games draw athletes from over 50 countries and various sports disciplines, the event serves as a powerful platform to champion diversity and equality in sports.
The 13th African Games, slated from March 8th to March 23rd, will feature competitions across 29 different sports, with the newly constructed Borteyman Sports Complex and renovated University of Ghana Stadium serving as primary venues for the prestigious event.
