The University of Ghana Sports Directorate buzzed with activity. Cheers erupted as Emmanuel Dela Mensah, a name already whispered with reverence, dribbled past his opponents. “Messi! Messi!” the crowd chanted, a testament to his extraordinary skill on the Goalball court. But this wasn’t football; this was Goalball, a sport designed for the visually impaired, and Emmanuel, despite losing his sight as a child, was its rising star in Ghana.

Emmanuel Dela Mensah’s journey is one of resilience. Losing his sight at a young age could have been a full stop, but for Emmanuel, it was just the beginning of a new chapter. This is the story of his rise in Ghana Goalball, the challenges faced by visually impaired athletes in the country, and his unwavering determination to represent his nation on the international stage. From navigating a world plunged into darkness to mastering the sounds and strategies of Goalball, Emmanuel has become a beacon of hope and inspiration.

At the heart of Ghana Goalball lies Emmanuel Dela Mensah, a player whose story transcends the sport itself.

Emmanuel’s world changed irrevocably at the age of seven. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare and serious disorder, robbed him of his sight. The loss was compounded by the passing of his mother. “I became blind,” Emmanuel recalls, a simple statement that encapsulates a life-altering moment. Navigating this new reality presented immense challenges, but fate, it seemed, had other plans in store.

In 2012, Emmanuel found himself at a school for the blind. It was here, amidst the inter-house sports competitions, that he was introduced to Goalball. This unique sport, specifically created for visually impaired athletes, relies heavily on auditory senses. Players must use the sound of the ball, which contains bells, to track its movement and defend their goal. Initially, Emmanuel was an observer, absorbing the game by watching senior players like Henry and Alhassan Aboagye. But it wouldn’t be long before he stepped onto the court himself.

“I went to a school for the blind around 2012… That’s when I discovered Goalball,” Emmanuel Dela Mensah recalls, pinpointing the moment his life took a new and unexpected direction.

Mr. Evans Edu Gyemfi, Emmanuel’s PE teacher, saw something special in the young boy. He recognized Emmanuel’s innate talent and potential. His encouragement became a driving force. “One day, you will become a great player in Goalball,” Mr. Gyemfi told him. These words resonated deeply, fueling Emmanuel’s determination to excel.

It wasn’t long before Emmanuel’s skill and flair on the court earned him a fitting nickname: “Messi.” The comparison to the legendary footballer speaks volumes about his abilities and the way he approaches the game.

The comparison to Lionel Messi is apt, not just for skill, but for the shared experience of overcoming adversity. Messi famously battled a growth hormone deficiency to become one of football’s all-time greats. Emmanuel, too, faced a significant challenge in losing his sight. Both athletes demonstrate the power of resilience and the ability to thrive despite obstacles.

Goalball, like football, requires a combination of strategic thinking and physical prowess – using both brain and brawn. Emmanuel’s ambition is to become a monument in Goalball, a figure as revered in his sport as Messi is in football. This ambition drives him to constantly improve and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

While honing his Goalball skills, Emmanuel pursued his education at the University of Ghana, studying Political Science and Philosophy. His dedication to both academics and athletics is a testament to his discipline and focus. As a Goalball player, he is known for his exceptional sense of direction, precision, and anticipation. These qualities were on full display at the GUSA Games in Cape Coast, where his team secured a silver medal.

Coach Benedict Sarpei Ntreh, impressed by Emmanuel’s talent, observed, “He has passion, and if you have passion for something, you need to excel.” This passion is evident in every game Emmanuel plays, driving him to reach his full potential.

Despite his success, Emmanuel and other visually impaired athletes in Ghana face significant challenges. According to Coach Benedict, there’s a distinct lack of governmental support for lesser-known sports like Goalball. Resources are scarce, making it difficult for athletes to train and compete at their best.

Emmanuel dreams of representing Ghana on the international stage, showcasing his talent and inspiring others. He laments the disparity in support compared to other nations. “In countries like Algeria, Brazil, and China, Goalball is taken seriously. But here in Ghana, visually impaired sports are sidelined,” he observes.

Emmanuel Dela Mensah’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit. From the sudden darkness of losing his sight to the bright lights of the Goalball court, he has overcome immense challenges to become a star in Ghana Goalball. His ambition to represent Ghana internationally burns brightly, fueled by a desire to inspire others and prove that talent knows no barriers.

Emmanuel Dela Mensah’s story proves that true vision extends far beyond sight. Support visually impaired sports in Ghana, and help these athletes achieve their dreams.