Para-rowing ‘is just amazing,’ said Konan Blaise Koko
These are words that come to mind when people describe Konan Blaise Koko, a third year Biochemistry student at Laurentian University.
Considering that Koko already holds a Master’s degree, his first Bachelor of Science in Chemistry was obtained at the University of Felix Houphouet Boigny of Cocody in the Ivory Coast. “It was very very challenging to get a wheelchair back in my country,” he said. “It was also difficult to get braces and it was not comfortable wearing braces either. I could not walk long distances. The best way to have freedom in my mobility was to get a wheelchair.” “I realized that I needed to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities,” said Koko.
While academics and advocacy are important to Koko, so is athleticism. Koko enjoys para-basketball and is also an experienced para-lifter. “His power in the boat is amazing - and his laugh as he works through the motions of a completely new sport is infectious. Everyone's practice is better just for having Koko out rowing with us.”