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02.09.2003 Sports News

South African Rugby expects to train Ghanaians

02.09.2003 LISTEN
By GNA

Accra, Sept 2, GNA - Three South African Rugby experts have arrived in the country to train Ghanaians in refereeing and coaching of the sport.

The three- man technical team, which is under invitation of the Ghana Rugby Association (GRA) is also expected to train the Ghanaian youth in a bid to help develop, promote and encourage the game of rugby in the country.

The team is led by Mr Sas Bailey, Regional Development Manager in Charge of English Speaking Africa, Mr Neville Heilbron, Manager of Referee's Training and Development and Mr Hilton Adonis, Manager in Charge of Coaching of the South African Rugby Football Union.

Mr. Bailey addressing a Press Conference in Accra on Tuesday said that the team is in the country to assist in the development of the human resource of the country as well as to provide infrastructural and technical support for the promotion of the game.

He said that Ghana has the potential to develop the game to the highest level and they will help in exploring these potentials by ensuring a sustainable programme and competition at various levels. The Leader of the team said Ghana stands to benefit a lot from the promotion of rugby in the country since it can create an avenue for the youth to channel their energies and serve as a professional career for them.

Mr Bailey said the little observation made on his trip to Ghana indicates that the youth are ready to learn and "when encouraged they can put their weight behind events to make the lesser - known sports in the country such as rugby become popular", adding that such potential needs to be explored to the fullest.

Dr Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, Acting Chief Executive of the National Sports Council (NSC) said the Council would throw its weight behind the association to make rugby one of the best games in the country. The Acting Chief Executive said with the proper education, encouragement and development, the game is capable of becoming a popular sport in the country in view of the passion and attraction that the youth are attaching to the game.

Madam Gifty Annan Myers, Chairperson of the GRA commended the enthusiasm with which the Ghanaian youth have embraced the game even though it was introduced into the country some few months ago. She said the game will succeed if corporate bodies support them by helping to promote it through sponsorship.

Madam Myers welcomed the technical team's support and pledged the co-operation of the GRA to ensure success, adding that she hoped that their coaching will go a long way in creating the necessary interest and development of rugby in the country.

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