Accra, Ghana – Travel company Karivan Travel and Tours has announced a new 5-year partnership, subject to renewal, with the Ghana Amputee Football Association (GAFA) to support the national amputee football team as they prepare to defend their title at the 2024 African Amputee Cup of Nations (AAFCON) in Egypt.
Karivan will facilitate the team’s preparation by seeking sponsorships to cover costs like airfare, food, kits, and insurance, according to an MOU signed by the two parties.
Speaking at Press Conference held at the head quarters of GAFA on Monday, Karivan’s Managing Director Kate Apietu said the partnership comes as a little bit of support to the Amputee team.
“We heard about amputee football team and their struggles and we realised we can do our little bit to support the team,” she said.
“The stories we hear about the amputee team are so pathetic and it touched us and we hope our partnership provides these hardworking athletes with the support they deserve as they strive for success on the continent’s biggest stage in Cairo.”
It is a moment of rescue as the Ghana amputee squad is historically one of the most underfunded sports teams in the country, facing years of frustration due to lack of government support.
However, Karivan hopes to alleviate some of these struggles by providing much-needed resources.
“We are pleading on individuals and corporate organizations who can sponsor the team to come on board,” urged Apietu.
The prestigious tournament will take place in Cairo from April 19-28, 2024, as 16 African teams vye for top honours and as well as grabbing qualification for the WAFF World Cup 2026.
The competition will feature national amputee football teams from across the continent, with Ghana looking to capture an unprecedented third continental crown.
And to make it easier for fans to attend, Karivan has announced affordable 9-day/9-night travel packages to Cairo for the tournament. “It can be a package for your workers, it can be a holiday getaway for your family, it can be your honeymoon package, anyhow you want it,” explained Apietu enthusiastically.
“With a firm conviction that Ghana, the two-time defending champions, can retain the cup for the third time, we felt it would be a remarkable feat to have many Ghanaians traveling to support the team,” she said.
“it is a 9-day event in Egypt. It can be a package for your workers, it can be a holiday getaway for your family, it can be your honeymoon package, anyhow you want it, karivan travel and Tours in association with the Amputee Football Committee, we ready to serve you so that you will support us and support the team to bring back the cup to Ghana.”
The all-inclusive packages include return airfare from Ghana to Cairo, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, tours to landmarks like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, a visit to the old Cairo City and entertainment like Nile river dinner cruises, sound & light shows, and belly dancing shows.
For the African amputee family, this upcoming tournament will be another important milestone to showcase the excellence of players to the fans and the society in Africa and the world.
Technical Director of Amputee team, Ali Jaraa welcomed the new sponsorship deal with Karivan, stating: “It is remarkable that this company felt compelled to step in and lend a hand to an underfunded Paralympic sport. This partnership highlights Karivan’s compassionate effort to support athletes lacking adequate governmental assistance.”
“We are filled with joy and appreciation for this support from Karivan. Now we can focus on our preparation knowing that our needs are taken care of.”
Last September, the Black Challenge made history by winning Ghana’s first ever gold medal in amputee football at the Africa Para Games, defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final.
They now heads to Cairo seeking to solidify their dominance with a 3-peat, buoyed by Karivan’s generous support and anticipated fans traveling to Cairo.
The Black Challenge, as the team is affectionately called, will face stiff competition from the likes of past host Egypt, and last year’s finalist Morocco.
In all, 16 African teams will be vying for top honours in (AAFCON) 2024, a tournament which will also be used decide which teams will qualify for the WAFF World Cup 2026.
