Appiah's event attracts stars and thousands

Thousands of less privileged kids in Ghana turned up for this year's StepApp to Sports Day on Saturday in Accra and they were happy to be feted by world-class stars.

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah's charitable foundation attracted Cheslea star Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari of Inter Milan, Scotland-based Laryea Kingston as well as Real Madrid prodigy Daniel Opare.

Former international defender Tony Baffoe raced from South Africa where he was attending official Confederation Cup activities to attend this year's charitable event held at the Liberty Professional Football Grounds, Dansoman.

The more than 3,000 kids, who were present at the event, were taught lessons by the superstars on how they can rise to achieve the goals of their lives.

Visibly touched by the humility of the players present, the Ghana sports icons, who are mostly from humble beginnings, narrated how they were able to beat poverty to reach the top of world football.

Deputy sports minister Nii Nortey Duah, Dr. Toni Aubynn of Gold Fields Ghana and Marketing Manager of MTN Ghana George Andah were also present to give their advice to the kids.

Apart from the lessons in life, the various youth groups' present played gala football matches before winners of the various categories were awarded with trophies.

This year's event came in handy for the kids present as Ghana has been ravaged by the rise in kids involved in cyber crime called 'Sakawa'.

The players urged the youth to shun crimes in the quest for better lives insisting that there are genuine options like playing football to reach the top which makes positive impact on society.

This is an annual community based tournament for school going children up to Junior High School, from various communities competing for the Captain's Cup.

This year's event was sponsored by telecommunication giants MTN as well as mining firm Gold Fields Ghana.