Fund raising dinner to support commonwealth teams

By Angela Ayimbire, GNA
Accra, March 20, GNA - The Australian High Commission in Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the Azumah Nelson foundation have organized a Commonwealth Dinner to raise raise funds to support the commonwealth teams in preparation towards the games next year.

Ghana is the second country to take the Queen's Baton Relay after Sierra Leone and the Australian high commission opted to organize the dinner to raise funds to support Ghana as Australia hosts the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia, Vice President of the republic of Ghana who graced the occasion said "Ghana is proud to be a member of commonwealth and this year's Baton is beautiful.

"We are really grateful to the Australian High Commission for their support and also to the boxers and athletes for their hard work, we wish them all the best as they prepare for the tournament in Australia next year', he added.

Mr Andrew Barnes, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana also expressed his joy of being part of the occasion and thanked Azumah Nelson for organizing a lovely boxing bout.

He also encouraged the teams to work hard and believe in themselves as they prepare for the games in Australia.

Mr Richmond Quarcoo, Deputy Secretary General of the GOC, said he was excited about the event because the money would aid them for early preparation, hence, the teams would be expected to bring home the best because they've been given all the necessary needed support.

"We have great potentials that can win medals to Ghana and all we need is enough funding to get our teams prepared' he added.

Ghana has competed at fifteen Commonwealth Games, beginning in 1954 and missing only the 1986 Games in Edinburgh.

Ghana has won fifty-one medals at the Commonwealth Games, including fifteen gold, with all but one of their medals coming in athletics and boxing.

GNA