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26.10.2007 Sports News

GOC Launches Campaign

26.10.2007 LISTEN
By Daily Guide

IN CONNECTION with Ghana's participation in the 29th edition of the Olympic Games slated for Beijing, China, from 8th to 25th August 2008, the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has embarked upon a comprehensive program to solicit for sponsorship to cater for athletes who will participate in the Games.

The launch of Ghana's campaign for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games tagged, “Think Ghana-Dream Gold” was held at the Prisons Service Headquarters yesterday, and attended by some dignitaries including Mr. B.T. Baba, President of GOC; Mr. Frank Appiah, Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee; and Mr. G.B. Awakye, Chairman for the occasion, who stood in for Hon. Prince Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive of the National Sports Council (NSC).

Other personalities present were Mr. Abraham Boakye, Chairman of the Ghana National Supporters Union (GHANSU), who has been made the Ambassador for GOC; Ghana Students Supporters Union (GHASSU); Supporters Union of Ghana (SUGHA); and Women Supporters Union of Ghana (WOSUGHA).

Speaking to journalists during the launch, Mr. B.T. Baba said Ghana would send a formidable contingent of sportsmen and women to the 29th Olympiad and indeed, it was important to state that the countdown to the Olympic Games in Beijing had already commenced.

“To enable us make a positive impact at the Games, we require the support of all Ghanaians. Naturally, this (Games) entails a huge financial outlay to enable our distinguished sportsmen and women to excel,” he stated.

According to him, the recent impressive performances of sportsmen and women in Germany, Melbourne, the All African Games in Algiers and Joseph Agbeko's IBF title should send signals that Ghana's sports was on the ascendancy.

“It is our fervent hope and prayer that the Black Stars will win the upcoming MTN/ GHANA CAN 2008 soccer fiesta and in the same vein, the Black Queens will sail through their opponents to qualify for Beijing 2008,” he stressed.

He revealed that a committee had been set up to take care of the fundraising, and stressed that any body who was willing to help the cause by donating something could contact the GOC.

At the gathering, Alhaji Ahmed 'Bahmed' Bandoh of Bahamed Travel and Tours, promised $3,000 (about ¢280 million) while Mr. Abraham Boakye presented ¢5 million cash to Madam Elizabeth King, Executive Member of the GOC, as part of his contribution to the on-going exercise.

Mr. Baba disclosed that there were other sponsors who would like to come on board and others such as MTN, T.T. Brothers, Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited who had all agreed to secure the headline sponsorship.

Other sponsors were State Insurance Company (SIC) and DHL, who are both associated with the GOC and prepared to assist.

Vega Foods and Goodies Music Productions were ready to organize a musical concert on December 26, 2007 at the Trade Fair Centre, featuring Nana Kwame, Tic Tac and Daddy Lumba, all in an effort to raise funds for the Beijing Games.

By Pierre Toto

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