SWAG congratulates Sprinter Azamati, Blacks Stars and Black Bombers for qualification.

 

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) wishes to congratulate the impressive performances of sprinter Benjamin Azamati, the national amateur boxing team, the Black Bombers, the senior national team the Black Stars for qualifying to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Benjamin Azamati on Friday broke Leo Myles-Mills’ 22-year old national 100m record with 9.97s clocking at Texas Relays, Austin USA.

Azamati is the first man to break 10 secs barrier this season with 9.97sec and thus becomes the World Leader, National Record Holder and gains qualification to the Tokyo Olympic Games joining compatriots Joseph Paul Amoah and Nadia Eke who already have booked their tickets.

“SWAG acknowledges the performances of the athletics team and salutes your great feat”.

Black Bombers, Samuel Takyi (Featherweight), Sulemanu Tetteh (Flyweight) and Shakul Samed (Light Heavyweight) have also qualified for the Olympics despite the numerous challenges before and during the qualifiers.

The Black Bombers have proved that, they are the trail blazers of Ghana at the multi-sport events as records shows that they have won three of the four medals Ghana had won at the Olympics.

“SWAG is delighted with the enviable feats of these young and courageous young men”.

The senior national football team the Black Stars on the other hand displayed a courageous performance to hold the Bafana Bafana of South Africa to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations football tourney in Cameroon.

“When many thought it was herculean and unsurmountable the Black Stars held South Africa making the last qualifier a mere formality”.

SWAG trust that your focus will lead you to break the AFCON trophy drought.

SWAG is convinced that these teams will follow the footsteps of their predecessors if given needed resources and opportunities to train adequately for their respective competitions.

As a nation we have a perfect opportunity to improve on our records in boxing at the Games but this can only be guaranteed through adequate preparations in the right training competitive environment.

We, therefore, urge the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) to provide the teams with the needed resources to prepare and deliver at the Olympic Games and AFCON.

Corporate Ghana is also being encouraged to provide support to the teams as they set out to make Ghana proud.

Source : www.swagghana.com

THE GUNNERS PREPARE TO FACE THE HAMMERS

THE GUNNERS PREPARE TO FACE THE HAMMERS

Mikel Arteta's press conference ahead of West ham United. 

Arteta on West Ham: "They're in great form. They've been really consistent. They know really well what to do and how to hurt opponents. I know David [Moyes] really well and I'm sure he's going to prepare a really difficult game against us."

What's the latest team news and how careful are you going to have to be with Saka's injury?

Everybody was fine after the game. We will assess them this morning. Regarding B, in the next two days we will know if he is available to play against West Ham and after that we'll make a decision on what to do.

What's the thing you hope your team takes forward from the Olympiacos game?

Basically that we have to maintain the standards that we set, in particular when we are in possession of the ball. We had too many situations where we didn't discriminate or make the right decision. I think execution-wise we weren't at our best.

How important is it that you're much closer to your best with the season that West Ham are having?

Yeah, we know we're going to have a really tough game. They're in great form. They've been really consistent. They know really well what to do and how to hurt opponents. I know David really well and I'm sure he's going to prepare a really difficult game against us.

Does it surprise you that you're battling with West Ham?

Not really. I think they have a really strong squad, a great manager and coaching staff. They have given him some time. They started the season with some doubts but I know what David is capable of doing. He gets the club together, working really hard for eachother. I think they have recruited really well and you can start to see that David's done. Obviously they have a little bit more time during the weeks to prepare football matches and training. I think they're in great form and they're a really dangerous team.

(Source: Chris Wheatley)

ARSENAL SHAPING UP AHEAD OF EUROPA LEAGUE DECIDER

TEAM NEWS ON GABRIEL MARTINELLI, EMILE SMITH-ROWE ET AL 

Having scored three away goals in Athens last week, we're favourites to progress from our Europa League last-16 clash with Olympiacos.

So how is Mikel Arteta planning on rotating his squad for Thursday’s return leg in London? Who could come into contention and who could take a well-earned rest?

This is what our manager told the media about a whole host of players:

on the latest team news…
Everyone is more or less okay. We have a few doubts but hopefully everyone will be involved in the squad.

on a chance to give some players minutes…
It's a good time for everybody, it is a really important game for us, nothing has been decided - there is still another 90 minutes at least to play for and we know it is going to be tough and everyone has to be ready. We have the opportunity to make changes, we have five substitutions so we will decide the best team to try to beat them.

on why Martinelli hasn't been playing…
No, if anything it's my fault, he has done everything perfect, he trains incredibly well every day, his attitude cannot be any better, he is disappointed he is not playing more obviously and I have spoken to him, but he needs to be a little bit patient. He had some minutes, he had some games as well and it's true the competition for the front positions is very tough but he needs to be patient and he will get his chance.

on the latest with Aubameyang…
We talked, everything has been resolved in a really positive way so we move forward.

on whether it's a given he will come back into the team…
No, everybody has to obviously perform at the highest level to earn their place in the team, there is no exception there and we will try to put a really competitive team out tomorrow to try to win again.

on whether Emile Smith Rowe may be somebody we rest...
It's true that we have some players with some significant loads there, but our priority now is to win these next two games and then whatever happens with international duty. If anything, they will have to adapt to what we want. We're not going to do it the opposite way around because we are the ones that have to look after our players here every day. But at the end, we're the ones who pay our players so if anybody has to adapt, that's the national teams and not us.

on what the latest is on Bukayo Saka's availability...
He was doing another test and obviously he felt something muscular. But he's been much, much better and they've both been really well. So we'll make the decision this afternoon on what we'll do.

Source of Story: Arsenal.com

NUNOO MENSAH RE-ELECTED AS GOC BOSS

Ben Nunoo Mensah has been re-elected as the President for the Ghana Olympic Committee on Monday by Congress.

The former Ghana Weightlifting Federation president garnered 35 votes to beat Former General Secretary Richard Akpokavie to retain the seat.

Ben Nunoo Mensah garnered 35 votes whilst Richard Akpokavie had 28 votes .

Ghana FA Executive Council member Frederick Acheampong garnered 41 votes to win the GOC Treasurer position beating his competitor Christopher Essifie who had 22 votes.

For the General Secretary position Mohammed Sahnoon won the seat with 41 points as Richmond Quarcoo had 22 votes.

SWAG General Secretary Charles Osei Assibey lost to Mohammed Mahadi for the GOC third Vice president position.

The Armwrestling Federation president garnered 23 votes whilst the Ghana Fencing Federation president had 40 votes.

Paul Atchoe retained his position as the GOC first vice president with 37 votes beating Ghana Table Tennis Association president Mawuko Afadzinu who had 26 votes.

In the other categories, the five federations recognised by the International Olympic body which were elected by Congress were:

Michael Aggrey ( Ghana Golf Association), George Okoe Lamptey (Amateur Boxing), Albert Frimpong (Baseball and Softball), Emmanuel Tetteh (Judo) and Delphina Quaye (Swimming).

Elections results below:

PRESIDENT

1.Richard Akpokavie Esq – Hockey 28

2.Ben Nunoo Mensah – Weightlifting 35 ✓

1ST VICE

1.Mawuko Afadzinu – Table Tennis 26

2.Paul Atchoe – Volleyball 37 ✓

2ND VICE

Evans Yeboah – Badminton 12

Frederick Otu Lartey – Taekwondo 51✓

3RD VICE

Charles Osei Asibey – Armwrestling 23

Mohammed Mahadi – Fencing 40✓

SECRETARY GENERAL

Richmond Quarcoo – Squash 22

Mohammed Sahnoon Esq – Cycling 41✓

Deputy Secretary General

Hon. Ahmed Shaib – Weightlifting 44 ✓

Bawa Fuseini – Triathlon 19

TREASURER

Frederick Acheampong – Football 41✓ Christopher Essilfie – Olympian 22

DEPUTY TREASURER

Isaac Aboagye Duah – Tennis 41✓

Christopher Darko – Amankrah – Athletics 22

Five Representatives elected from National Federation’s affiliates to the International Federations recognized by the IOC and whose sports are included in the Olympic programme :

Michael Aggrey – Golf

George Okoe Lamptey – Amateur Boxing

Albert Frimpong – Baseball

Emmanuel Tetteh – Judo

Delphina Quaye – Swimming

One elected member from a non Olympic sports federation

Abdul Hayye – Bodybuilding (unopposed)

One elected member from a National Federation affiliated to the GOC :

Samuel Ayer – SESSA 27

Dr.Bella Bello Bitugo – GUSA 36✓

Three other members elected by Congress :

Rev. Emmanuel Dzani Nikoi – Netball

Michael Nkow Ayeh – GES

Emmanuel O. Asare – Cricket

Source of Story: Happy Sports

A RISING STAR - MANSA HOMMEY

 WPL SPOTLIGHT: Ref Mansa Hommey, a glimpse of hope for the future 

When it comes to football, it always been said that the players are the protagonists but there is another main actor who is irreplaceable, the referee. As judges of this sport, they try to impart justice but, no matter what decision they make, it must be admitted they can’t always get it right.

When the likes of Theresa Bremansu, Juliet Appiah, Doris Essumang were referred to the Men’s Division One League as the demand for tougher games to enhance their chances at officiating at the highest level, one will ask what the faith of officiating will be as far as the Women’s Premier League is concern?

Hold on and let’s take a trip to Afife in the Volta Region and meet up with Aflao-based Class One referee Mansa Hommey. 

An SHS graduate, 23 years old who has plans of enrolling into the University soon to study Physical Education. 

Ref Mansa has well distinguished herself with her firmness, knowledge of the rules, mastering the spirit of the game, correct application of the rule and great physical condition and fitting in the shoes of her predecessor perfectly.

Her first shot at the women’s premier league came last year and she excelled to the admiration of all who ever witnessed her in office. 

She has handled 6 matches in the first round of the 2020/2021 women’s premier league with so much dexterity including the ‘Service Derby’ , Police Ladies vs Immigrations Ladies considered to be one of the toughest game in the season. 

Let me quickly add that, as human as a referee is, she can sometimes make mistakes, just as a striker can miss a goal or a coach can make a wrong decision but her positives far outweigh the negatives. 

A look at the number of years ahead of her in the officiating business and that of her current output  validates the Game Changer’s Catch Them Young refereeing policy as the true way to go to unearth more of the likes of MANSA HOMMEY for our women’s game. 

More grease to your elbow Ref and your likes who will also be uncovered soon.

My source: Volta Sports on Facebook 

MARTIN ODEGAARD ANNOUNCES HIMSELF IN THE BIG DERDY

Martin Odegaard etched his name into Arsenal folklore on Sunday evening.

Our No 11 scored in his first north London derby to inspire our comeback at the Emirates, and he couldn't stop smiling after the game.

"It was a dream come true today and also it was a big win in the derby so I'm really happy for the team," he said. "This was for our fans and I hope they are happy with us today.

"I think we dominated the game from the start. After the red card the game changed a little bit. It was a bit strange. Until that moment I think we dominated the game completely and fully deserved the win and should have scored more goals.

"[Coming from a goal behind] shows the mentality of the team. Every time we get hit in the face we strike back. It shows the character and the spirit so I'm really happy.

'We just have to keep going, each game, play each game as the last and keep fighting. In the end we'll see but if we play at this level we can reach some good things."

Story by Arsenal.com

WISDOM DOVLO WRITES ...

Wisdom Dovlo writes

Warmly greetings from one of the citizens to the loving people of Keta and it's environs especially the entire sports fraternity. It's been a while when people talk about sporting activities and always refer to Keta.

What at all is happening in Keta and Anlɔga for the past years in terms of sports? 

Athletes zero, 

Football zero, 

Kayaking zero, 

Boat racing zero,

basketball zero, 

Handball zero, 

Netball zero, 

Beach Soccer average,

Beach volleyball 2%,

Volleyball zero, 

fun games zero,

Refereeing zero,

swimming zero, 

boxing zero etc.

Are we still been recognized as sports Districts?

There is no single division two clubs in the Keta Municipality and to talk of division three down to the juvenile clubs. It's very painful moment for all of us in Keta. We have a lot of talents in Keta and Anlɔga which we can develop perfectly but what happen to them?

What at all are the people of Keta and Anloga  doing about sports in these two Districts?

Or all those things we are capable of doing in the olden days are gone forever?

Are the radio stations in Keta and Anlɔga not helping to develop sports in the districts?

Do we still have competent people who can stand tall and be bold to stand for the position of District Football Association's chairmanship?

Who actually destroyed Sports in Keta and Anlɔga as the citizens are suffering till now?

Who actually took money from the clubs and not able to register them that got them bored and are not ready to involved in  sports anymore?

Now Sports is back especially football, who is ready to bring back  football to Keta and Anlɔga?

Is the people of Keta and Anlɔga ready to patronize football as we speak?

Keta and Anlɔga District got a lot of talents. Keta and Anlɔga produced most of the footballers of which some are still playing football like Bakah Victor in South Africa, Aganah Ben in Turkey, Prince Atsu Okraku in Ghana playing for premier league side Techiman Eleven Wonders, Sema Michael current captain of Ghana Black Sharks, Kumensah Innocent, former assistance captain or current assistance Coach of Ghana Black Sharks, Ticor Kini current best defender of Ghana Black Sharks etc. Are we able to do more?

Let's take a critical look at the players invited by the head Coach of Ghana Black Sharks, seven good beach soccer players are from Keta alone. (Seven national assets) That's a plus for Keta and the region as a whole. 

1. Robert Nyadedzor (Kedzi - Havedzi)

2. Semabia Ruben (Sunset)

3. Kini Ticor (sunset)

4. Aziz Kofi (Sunset)

5. Alfred Torsu (Kedzi - Havedzi)

6. Eugene Dekpey (Kedzi - Havedzi)

7. Michael sema (sunset)

 If Keta Sunset Sports and Kedzi Havedzi Beach Soccer club can produced that quality players then what is the region and Keta doing about it?

Where's the Volta Regional Athletics Association's chairman for the past years? Have you ever set your eyes on him before? If yes, then where?  How did you meet him? Did the association have a constitution? Why did they called off the Regional election? To be frank with you, I can never run 5 kilometers but when I see athletes complaining here and there, I feel so embarrassed to that extend. Why common transportation for them to go for justify your inclusion to be selected to represent the Region becomes a headache? Why Peter Dotsey, Alorworyi Raphael, Akligo Christopher, Dogbatsey Peace and others couldn't participate?

Ask yourself why Angba Ernestine represented Volta Region in 2020 National Cross-Country and planned to represent Central Region in 2021 National Cross-Country instead of Volta Region?

We have a lot of athletes both from Keta and Anlɔga but where are they now? Some of them becomes motivational speakers. Those days, Godwin Adukpo, Elorm Amenakpor, Atsu Nyamadi (still in the kitchen) and others were able to put smiles on our faces. Though they did their best, the question is who else is bold enough to put on their shoes? Upcoming ones like Alorworyi Raphael (#2000), Christopher Akligo, Paul Dotsey, Peter Dotsey, John Adzraku Kpodo Tsoeke and others find it very difficult to get people to sponsor them. All their efforts are in vain and some of them are now Lotto agent and others, why do we have to be so wicked to that extend?

Alright enough is enough, we have sea and lagoon in both Keta and Anlɔga and to the best of my knowledge, is an  advantages for us to use them and use them very well. Leticia Kumaka, Adenyo Segbedze, Gameli Gblewudzi and others are the best kayak we have in both districts. Where are they now? Through Kayaking, the above mentioned travelled all the way to Tunisia to represent Ghana and brought gold and bronze. They even qualified for Cape Verde, Egypt and Hungary but due to covid-19 outbreak they couldn't go, hmmmmmm. Have you ever heard of their names before? Or because they're not playing football? Agbenyo Segbedze is a motor mechanic in one of the villages in Anlɔga called Agbledomi.

Do you know Mawuko Dzikunu, CEO of Glory Oil Ghana, Joseph Ayivor, CEO of Afe Lotto, Wollams Michigan, CEO of Aborigine Beach Resort, Alice Attipoe, former Chief Executive Officer of National Sports Authority, Godwin Ahadzi, CEO of Agblor Lodge Hotel and others are all coming from the district and can be of help when contacted?

All thanks to Duamenefa Regional Tournament and Mawuli of FB Sports if not Prince Atsu Okraku will still be hanging around at Anlɔ Afiadenyigba.

Mr Emmanuel Acquah proprietor of Trust Emmanuel School and owner of Woe united, was once DFA chairman for Keta/Anlɔga, what actually happened during his regime?

Those days we have football clubs in every corner of the Keta Municipality. Teams from Anyanui, Dzita, Atɔkor, Salo, Galosota, Agbatsivi, Savietula, Whuti, Srɔgbe, Atihepe, Anlɔga, Woe, Tegbi, Vui, Nɔlivime Dzelukoƒe, Abutiakoƒe, Kedzikoƒe, Keta central, Vodza, Adzido, Kedzi, Havedzi, Hɔvi, Anlɔ Afiaɖenyigba, Nɔlɔƒui, Bɔlɔve, Sasieme, Konu, Anyako, Heluvi, Weme, Abor, Tsiame, Atiavi, Alakple, Hagodzi, Lawosime, Kodzi, Atito, Genui, Bleamezado, Trekume, Tregui, Mamieme and others. What do you think is the problem of the above mentioned towns with their clubs?

Hmmmmmmmm will the love of games be back to Keta or God's time is the best?

We can't even manage our affairs and now we will be working under a District which was separated from us some years ago, you that's reading this how do you feel? Are you okay with it?

Story by Wisdom Dovlo. 

I WILL DO MY BEST FOR ARSENAL - THOMAS PARTEY

It has undoubtedly been a frustrating start to life in England for Thomas Partey.

The Ghana international has shown his huge talents in some key performances, but his progress has been held back by a series of injuries.

But now Partey is returning to full fitness and is confident we will see the very best of him soon.

“It was a difficult moment to get used to how the team plays and I think the injuries are part of the adaptation,” he said. “I think people have their own opinion, but it depends on me and how I adapt to the situation that I’m in. It is part of the game, you never know when you’ll get injured. I do all my work, I try to make sure I’m fit to play any game.

“I had a few games, against Man United and against Wolves [where I was 100 per cent], and I was able to show what I can do. Due to less games and less training, I have to keep working and have to keep trying to get back to that level of performance.

“I think this is just the start. I’m starting to get used to how my mates play, how the Premier League goes and with time everything will be good. I will do my best and will do my work to try to make sure I will be at my best.”

Source of Story: Arsenal.com

C.K Names Squad to face South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

 The head coach of the senior national team, Charles Kwablah Akonnor has called-up 24 players to continue with Black Stars camping at the M-Plaza hotel in Accra.

The team is made up of 22 local based-players and two Chinese-based players, Mubarak Wakaso and Emmanuel Boateng to prepare for Ghana’s double-header for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

Squad:   

Goalkeepers: Joseph Addo (Aduana FC), Razak Abalorah (Asante Kotoko), Eric Ofori Antwi (Medeama SC)

Defenders: Ganiyu Ismail (Asante Kotoko), Yusif Mubarik (Asante Kotoko), Konadu Yiadom (WAFA), Ibrahim Moro (Asante Kotoko), Haruna Jamal Deen (Great Olympics), Christopher Nettey (Asante Kotoko) Joseph Agyei (Legon Cities), Dennis Korsah (Ebusua Dwarfs)

Midfielders: Gladson Awako (Great Olympics), Justice Blay (Medeama SC), Michel Otou (Great Olympics), Yaw Annor (Ashanti Gold SC), Rashid Nortey (Medeama SC), Maxwell Abbey (Great Olympics), Salifu Moro (Bechem United), Mubarak Wakaso (Jiangsu Suning), Joseph Esso (Dreams SC)

Forwards: Emmanuel Boateng (Dalian Pro), Kwame Peprah (King Faisal), Kwame Opoku (Asante Kotoko), Diawusie Taylor (Karela United)

SOURCE:ghanasportscrusader

CAF U20 Cup of Nations: Ghana win fourth title to become joint second most successful nation

 Ghana won a fourth CAF U20 Cup of Nations title on Saturday, 6 March 2021, after defeating Uganda 2-0 in the 2021 final held in Mauritania.

A brace from captain Daniel Afriyie gave Abdul Karim Zito and his troops a deserved win.

His opener was in the 22nd minute when he slapped in a corner kick at the near post to deflate the Ugandans.

Six minutes into the second half, the Hearts of Oak player tucked in from close range after Percious Boah's cut back took a deflection and dropped in front of him.

The Black Satellites are now the second most successful African U20 national team tied with Egypt on four titles; second behind Nigeria who have tallied seven titles.

Ghana won its first U20 tournament in 1993 when they beat Cameroon 2-0 in Mauritius.

In 1999, under Italian coach Guisseppe Dosena, the Black Satellites beat arch rivals Nigeria 1-0 on home soil to record their second title.

Ten years later, a select-band of talented youngsters captained by Andre Ayew posted a 2-0 win over Cameroon in Kigali.

Source of Story: Ghanasoccernet.com

Beach Soccer will become a new industry in Volta Region - Volta FA Beach Soccer Chairman

Newly appointed Volta Region FA beach soccer committee Chairman Dzidodo Ruben Adjahoe has indicated that beach soccer will soon create jobs and opportunities for the people of the region and beyond.

Adjahoe said the sport has a lot to offer the Region since Volta Region is already the hub of beach soccer in Ghana. Ghana’s most successful beach soccer club Sunset Sports Keta and rivals Havedzi Mighty Warriors are based in Keta in the Volta Region and the two clubs have won all four national league titles amongst them while players from both teams form the core of the national team, the Blacks Sharks.

“It is important we take a bold step by creating a viable industry from beach soccer. We have the best clubs, the best players and undoubtedly the most beautiful beaches in Ghana. We have to move further by seeking the right partnerships that will make this region a model one in beach soccer”.

The new Chairman of the Volta FA beach soccer committee called on all local communities especially those on the coastal belt of the region to set up beach soccer clubs. He also asked for cooperation from the existing clubs for the beach soccer committee as he expressed confidence, the new appointees will be up to task.

“The FA has expressed readiness to give beach soccer the needed support which is very vital to our growth. What is very important now is that all communities, especially in the coastal areas form new teams so that we can start a regional league to boast our growth. Our old clubs must also share knowledge and experience with the new ones and also give members of the committee their unflinching support”.

Dzidodo Adjahoe, also CEO of Sunset Sports Keta, 3x winners of the Ghana Championship & 2019 Copa Lagos Club Challenge Champions as well as clubs liaison officer at the African Beach Soccer Union was reacting to his appointment as Chairman of the newly formed Volta Region FA Beach Soccer committee. 

Story by Fiifi Tanko Almaestro

Source: Ghanaguardian.com

ARSENAL'S CHANCES OF MAKING TOP 4

After beating Leicester on Sunday, we're eight points off fourth-placed West Ham but entering a crucial period in the season. So how does our manager see our position?

"Well the aim is to go on and beat Burnley," Arteta said. "We have been chasing [a top-four place] for a while but it is not in our hands, the only thing we can control is our own results and performances. We are fully determined to do that better than what we have done in the past eight months.

"Of course there is [talk among the players of the top four] because that's the aim and that is where we want to take the club back to. We've been out of it for the last few seasons but our eyes are always there.

"It's true that it doesn't depend on us and when that happens we have to rely on other people and that's never good so we've got to do what we have to do first. Then, I'm sure if we do what we have to do, we'll be in a much better position to see where we are with the last four or five games.

"I think the option to be in Europe [next season] is still available through two different paths and we have to maximise that as much as possible because the club's history is not just related to the Europa League in recent years but the Champions League and obviously anything that is not at that level is disappointing."

Source: Arsenal.com

RENOWNED PHILANTHROPIST JOE AYIVOR ADOPTS NEWLY COMPOSED VOLTA CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

 RENOWNED PHILANTHROPIST JOE AYIVOR ADOPTS NEWLY COMPOSED VOLTA CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

The Volta Regional Sports Authority has secured a juicy sponsorship deal from a renowned Ho-based philanthropist and Executive Director of From Home Company Limited, Mr Joe Ayivor, to rejuvenate its newly-composed regional cross-country nucleus team.

The deal was brokered by the Chief Sports Development Officer and Regional Sports Director of the Authority, Mr Kwame Amponfi Jnr, through one of his aggressive sponsorship initiatives. The offer will see Mr Ayivor providing financial and material support for the effective preparation and participation of Team Volta in future National Cross- Country competitions.

Mr Ayivor, popularly known as Afe Lotto, while presenting the first sponsorship package of six thousand Ghana cedis (GhC 6,000.00) to the team at his office in Ho last Thursday said, “I think the Regional Sports Director; Mr Amponfi Jnr. and his coaches mean well for our region and all resourceful citizens of the land must support them to adequately prepare this newly-composed team to effectively represent our region for excellence”. He encouraged Mr Amponfi Jnr and his team to sustain their sacrificial work for the region, adding that posterity would be kind to them.

It would be recalled that the Volta Cross-Country team at its first appearance in the maiden edition of the national competition held at Mpohor in 2019 placed 4th and subsequently improved to place 3rd among sixteen (16) regions after an excellent performance in the 2020 edition held at Ajumako in the Central Region of Ghana.

However, soon after that impressive performance, the team lost most of its leading male and female athletes to occupational and educational transfers from the Volta Region, leading to the reconstitution of a new-look team for the 2021 National Cross-Country held recently at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western-North Region. Kwaotse Philip from Central Tongu in the Volta Region finished among the top ten (10) national athletes out of the over ninety (90) participating athletes.

Mr. Ayivor, who is a personal friend of Mr Amponfi Jnr, had on previous occasions supported the Sports Authority with four (4) Brand New Lorry Tyres, a Computer, Printer and the General Maintenance of the official vehicle of the Directorate.

In another development, Ms Enyonam Afi Amafuga, the Volta Regional Director of Education, has assured the Authority of a regular release of a road-worthy bus for Team Volta in future National Sports Competitions, once it could be fuelled.

On behalf of Team Volta, the Director-General, Management and Staff of the Sports Authority, Mr Kwame Amponfi Jnr thanked Mr Ayivor for his timely intervention upon the request for support by the Authority and assured him of the efficient and progressive utilisation of the sponsorship package to justify his investment in the team.

Source: National Sports Authority- Volta

Editor: B.E SOGLO(VIGOUR EDEM VIGOR)