SWAG awards sportsmen and women

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) last Saturday awarded over 20 sportsmen and women and other organisations for their contribution to the development and promotion of sports in the country.

The event, which was attended by personalities such the Mr. Joe Aggrey, Deputy minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, Acting Chief Executive of the National Sports Council (NSC) and other sports personalities was held at the La Palm Royal Hotel. Speaking at the function, Mr. Ebow Quansah, president of SWAG, suggested that the Ministry of Sports should consider bidding for the All Africa Games instead of the 2008 nations cup.

He said, this would help in the construction of new sports infrastructure in the country and the rehabilitation of old ones to international standards.

He said as sports writers, they are concerned with the direction of sports in the country and would want to be involved in the development of sports by playing a more effective role. Mr Quansah said it is in the light of such concerns that, they want to understand the government's policy on sports, adding that SWAG is waiting to be granted audience by the president following an earlier request it had made. Among the personalities awarded were, Germany based international soccer star, Samuel Osei- Kuffour who received double honours as sportsman and footballer of the year.

Sheila Okine was named female footballer of the year, Ishmeal Addo, goal king, Joe Hendricks, defender of the year, while Emmanuel Ampeah collected the prize for dedication and valour.

Alex Quartey was referee of the year, Aziz Zakari, athlete of the year, Vida Anim, female athlete of the year, Shamshu Awudu, volleyball star of the year and Gunther Darkey, tennis star of the year.

Others were Hajara Mahama, handball star of the year, Buernor Agbugbla Judokat of the year, James Bress, hockey star of the year, Anthony Arthur badminton star of the year, JE Sarpong, coach of the year and Christian Aboagye table tennis star of the year.

Accra Hearts of Oak picked the top-scoring club of the year award, while team of the year went to the Black Satellites.

Despite Promotions and VALCO were awarded for their contribution to the promotion of boxing and the revival of schools soccer respectively, while Alhaji Sly Tetteh, chairman and founder of Liberty Professionals football club received an award for the development of soccer.

Wonder Foods Limited (COWBELL) also received a special award for the promotion of cycling.