GOC Holds Successful Retreat For Sports Federation’s Presidents At Koforidua
The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has organised a successful two day retreat for sports federation’s presidents at the Eastern Premier Hotel in Koforidua, Eastern Region last Friday and Saturday.
Over 50 federation’s presidents were represented including the new executive board and the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Lawyer Richard Akpokavie who commended all who attended.
In his opening address, he spoke about the Olympic brand, reputation, strength, achievements, relationships with government and sponsorship, fragmentations unity among federations and placing athletes first, communication and benefits of social media, talent identification and facilities.
He expressed that athletes are always playing central role and should be considered premiere.
He noted that building capacity of athletes, coaches and administrators is essential and federations should collaborate with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and National Sports Authority (NSA) for quality athletes to be selected to take part in international competitions.
According to Akpokavie, there are vast opportunities to be tapped in sports in grants, scholarships delivered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Commonwealth Games Association.
He advocated for clean sports, warned on manipulation of competitions and discussed funding of sports.
He urged sports federation heads in Ghana to work together for positive results.
Other resources persons spoke on topics that are relevant for progress and sustaining sports.
Prof. Akwasi Sarfo Kantaka spoke on branding of sports federations, Ms.Sussie Populampu handled financing of sports, while Naa Amorkor Amarteifio lectured on alternative disputes resolution.
Mr. Chris Essilfie of the Olympians Association led the retrear through ‘Federation led strategy formulation’ after all the federations representatives had presented their brief plans and projections for the next four years.
There was also some information on anti doping by the WADA in Ghana, Prince Azanu.
Some Presidents who were interviewed by Yours Truly after the retreat hailed the new leadership of the GOC for fulfilling the campaign promise.
Mohammed Muniru, Esq the Secretary General of the GOC said more of such interactions would come on from time to time to engage the sports leaders.
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah were present at the innovative retreat.
The Minister said the sports industry will undergo resetting and create a sports fund to support athletes and federations.
By Sammy Heywood Okine