Author: Sammy Heywood Okine
Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has called on Corporate Ghana and individuals to invest in sportsmen and women so that that can represent the nation and perform well at international competitions.
He was not enthused with the way athletes are left to prepare on their own before big games, with no support, but was optimistic that those representing the nation will try to hit the medal zones and possibly bring something home.
Receiving packages from some organisations last Monday, ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, he noted that Ghana will be represented in Track & Field and Swimming by 21 personalities, including nine athletes and swimmers.
According to him with the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), French Embassy and other companies, the GOC has a budget for $31,000 for pre Games preparations and hopes the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the government will come out with a package for the Team.
He prayed that those representing the nation at Paris 2024 will improve upon the achievement chalked at Tokyo 2020, where Ghana won a bronze medal in boxing.
He revealed that the contingent leader / Chef Du Mission, Mr. Aboagye Duah, President of Ghana Tennis is already in France awaiting for the whole team in Strasburg before they move to the Games Village in Paris on July 21.
He expressed that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will begin from July 26 and hopes Team Ghana will excel.
Madam Marine Hayem and Mr. Emmanuel Annor representing the French Embassy were at the GOC to show their support together with Madam Sarah Agyei of Horseman Shoes who presented specially designed shoes in Ghana colours, Mr. Kwab Asamoah who branded the kits and Mr. Eworyi Worlanyo of the Republic Bank who presented a cheque for 5,000 Euros to the GOC.
He promised that the Republic Bank has more for the team if they win medals.
Madam Sarah Agyei of Horseman Shoes said she was happy that her company is associated with the GOC and the Paris Games.
Mr. Kwab Asamoah of Kustom Looks said it is good that Ghana will showcase Ghana products at the Games.
Mrs, Delphina Quaye, President of Ghana Swimming displayed the traditional wear to be won by Team Ghana during the opening and closing ceremonies. She presented special pins to the companies that are sponsoring the GOC.
In attendance at the ceremony were GOC Board members, Mrs. Delphina Quaye, Mr. Albert K. Frimpong, Mr. Michael Aggrey, Rev E.D. Nikoi and Mr. George Lamptey.
Also present at the event where Team Ghana’s kits were outdoored were the Communications Team of the GOC.
