Sports

IOC to support local federations

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah has asked federations to upgrade themselves regularly by organizing training courses and seminar.

This, he said, would ensure they become familiar with current trends to improve sports in the country.

Additionally, it would help them access funds from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to run their activities.

Mr. Nunoo who recently returned from a meeting with the IOC President, Thomas Bach at the IOC’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland said, the international body was willing to support federations to develop themselves through training courses.

Ghana, he said, could get as much as USD400, 000 from the IOC for sports development if federations were active and willing to organise activities to improve the skills of athletes and officials.

“We also intend to organize programmes that would instill into the youth, the Olympic values including respect, discipline, determination, teamwork and others,” he stated.

He said the discussion with the IOC President was based on Olympic solidarity (funds from IOC to national committees) and efforts to improve upon communications at the GOC.

“This includes, updating the GOC website and getting the best and modern equipment to ensure communication becomes more effective and efficient,” he stated.

According to Mr. Nunoo Mensah, the current constitution of the GOC will soon be reviewed and sent to the IOC for approval to serve as a document to guide the committee.

He said the IOC has agreed to help the GOC complete its sports center at Amasaman.

The facility when completed, would have a football field, volleyball and space for other disciplines and could be used to host the Youth Olympic Games,” he stressed.

The meeting with the IOC, he said, was very fruitful and looked forward to implement the ideas that came out for the success of sports in Ghana.

The GOC president was accompanied by other officials including the Secretary General, Mr. Richard Akpokavie, Mr. Frederick Lartey Otu, Treasurer, and legal counsel, Jerry Ahmed Shaid.

BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE

Show More
Back to top button