Athletes Are In Very High Spirits And Ready To Compete – Deputy Sports Minister

Hon. Evans Opoku Bobie, Deputy Minster of Youth and Sports has disclosed that the spirits of Ghanaian athletes at the Games Village are very high as they are poised to make names for themselves, family and the nation.

Speaking to the press at the media center of the 13th African Games sited at the University of Ghana Stadium, Hon Bobie who is Chairman of the International Games Committee revealed that about 350 athletes were selected by the various 26 federations and coaches to begin preparations.

He hinted that the welfare of the athletes was paramount, in a serene but friendly environment, so they were accomodated at Cape Coast fed and taken care of by three doctors, four nurses, six physiotherapists and physical trainers. There was also 24 hours run clinic and ambulance available.

He named the Universities of Cape Coast and Winneba as playing significant roles in the preparations.

The Deputy Minster expressed that the athletes who were camped will be paid their per diems of 1,000ghc a day, while medalists are going to get $3,000 for gold, $2,000 for silver and $1,000 for bronze.

“The morale and spirits of the athletes are very high, they are focused, positive and ready, we must focus on gold in football and athletics, after the great performance in armwrestling” he said.

Present at the press conference was LOC Chairman, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare who commended the media for promoting the Games. He reiterated that the new facilities at Borteyman would be maintained by the creation of the University for Sports for development and Business.

Chairman of Transport Committee Mr. Samson Deen contributed to the meeting to address transport issues. He said all vehicles operating for the 13th African Games have been insured.

Chairman of the Media Committee Mr. Dan Kweku Yeboah managed the meeting.

The Black Satellites and Black Princesses (Under20 football teams) have both qualified for the finals of the male and female football events scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

The track & field began on Monday, March 18 and will come to a close on March 22.

Although Ghana will get stiff challenge from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroun, Algeria, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa, the athletes are hopeful.

By Sammy Heywood Okine