National 'special olympics' Yamoussoukro 2026: Gagnoa sweeps up 5 medals
The harvest was good for the Gagnoa team which took part from August 21 to 23, in Yamoussoukro, at the national 'special-olympics' games.
The six athletes from Gagnoa returned with five medals, including three gold and two silver. This information was given to the press by their coach, Charles Gbagna, during an interview on Tuesday.
Joy was evident on the coach's face. In his assessment of the competition in which his athletes from the Yamoussoukro scientific high school participated, Charles Gbana expressed his satisfaction.
"We competed in two disciplines, namely bocce (bowling) and athletics. The result was 2 gold medals in bocce. In athletics, we obtained 1 gold medal and 2 silver medals. We can say that the results are positive," announced the coach.
This performance is the result of years of hard work by the coach with his players. He brings them together once a week for training sessions. Without any financial assistance, he is fighting this battle alone because, he says, all the letters he has sent to the relevant authorities have gone unanswered.
“We receive no subsidies; it’s all volunteer work. Whether you’re a politician or an administrator, you don’t really grasp the support that needs to be given to these children, referred to as ‘snake children.’ Yet they are human beings just like us. We hope that raising awareness will change people’s behavior and lead them to see these children differently. They didn’t ask to be in this condition. They were born with a disability,” Charles emphasized, his voice thick with emotion.
However, he remains convinced that with the results achieved by his team in the sporting field, things will change in their favor.
“These medals will be catalysts for change. We plan to present the winners and medals to the regional prefect and other city authorities. Because these athletes have brought honor to Gagnoa,” Mr. Gbagna stated.
He dedicates this victory to God because it is by his grace that Gagnoa was chosen to represent Ivory Coast in Chile at the 'special olympics' world games, scheduled for 2027.
It should be noted that the Yamoussoukro national 'special Olympics' games were held around the theme: ''Sport, disability and social inclusion''. This event saw the participation of 340 athletes from 19 cities across the country.
Lyne Zahui / © Gagnoa.net
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