AfHF President coming…Ahead of Hockey Africa Cup for Nations
Mr. Seif Dini Ahmed, President of the African Hockey Federation will be among the high profile guests expected to participate in the launching of the Hockey African Cup of Nations Tournament slated for Wednesday May 26, 2009 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Mr Seif Ahmed whose arrival in Ghana is also in connection with AfHF's inspection of facilities for the 9th edition of the Hockey ACN Tournament in Accra, from July 10th to 18th 2009, will visit the newly rehabilitated Theodosia Okoh Hockey stadium, hotels that have been arranged for tournament participants, and medical facilities. He will also confer with medical aides who have been specially contracted for the championship.
The 59-year old AfHF President who has reputation of having been involved continuously in hockey sport for 51 years is also the President of the Egypt Hockey Federat, as well as Member of the Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Mr. Seif Dini Ahmed's visit to Ghana at the head of the AfHF inspection team is considered as indication of the especial importance that the AfHF has attached to the 9th edition of the Hockey ACN tournament being hosted in Ghana.
It is also thought that the President's involvement in the inspection in Accra, and the counsel to be derived from it will inure to the benefit of the LOC and the Hockey Association, given his experience at various times in the past as Captain of Hockey Rules Board, Member of FIH Umpiring Committee, FIH grade one Olympic List Umpire, and President of the AfHF Umpiring Committee that the AfHF President will likely bring to bear on preparations towards the event.
Whilst in Ghana the former Egyptian national hockey player will pay a courtesy call on His Excellency the President and His Excellency the Vice President, and also hold discussions with officials of the Sports Ministry as well as stakeholders in hockey.
The AfHF President's itinerary will also include a trip to the Ohene Djan Stadium, one of the four international standard stadia put up for the Ghana 2008 ACN, where he will be expected to have some appreciation of the Ghana's commitment to the development of sports as a vehicle for economic, social and community well-being among other benefits.
Mr. Seif Dini Ahmed will depart Accra on May 28, 2009 after the three-day official visit.