By Oyintari Ben
Para sports have advanced significantly in Togo over the past four years. Numerous players are now undergoing training for various sports.
Some of them have also competed in international events including the 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympics Games and the 2019 African Games in Morocco.
At the most recent Paralympics Games in Tokyo back in 2022, Jacqueline Kabissa was the only competitor for Togo. The young woman’s journey has been challenging after a horrific vehicle accident caused her to lose a portion of her right leg.
“I told myself the day I had my leg amputated that it was the end for me. The world has come to an end. I was reluctant to leave. I was humiliated “She spoke out.
However, since Kabissa joined a parasports group that had just started up in Togo, things have changed.
“My disability has given me access to a lot of opportunities and helped me learn a lot. I am respected by people today. They used to make fun of me when they saw me. They regard me more now that I play sports. I am now valuable,” she said.
