The Paris 2024 Organising Committee (OC) played host to around 320 media representatives last week at the World Press Briefing, providing them with important information about Games-time media operations and an opportunity to visit some of the iconic venues for next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

WORLD PRESS BRIEFING Paris 2024 Organising Committee President Tony Estanguet welcomed the delegates, underlining that, with less than 12 months to go until the Games: “We have known in our minds and in our hearts that our plans have the potential to be incredible. Thanks to the test events, we understand more and more that we can make something magical happen.”

Acknowledging the important contribution of the media to the success of the Games, he continued: “Of course, we are excited that millions of people will see the sport up close. But we also know most people in the world will rely on you. You are the ones that will tell the stories of the athletes, with your passion, with your savoir-faire, with your ability to come back every day during the Games with enthusiasm and artistry.”

PARIS 2024 PROGRESS REPORT Participants from across the world joined the Briefing in the French capital between 4 and 7 September 2023, with a few hundred more followings remotely. This gave the Paris 2024 team the opportunity to showcase the innovative plans to deliver a new era of Olympic and Paralympic Games. It also provided attendees with an overview of the progress being made by Paris 2024, and updates on a number of topics, including the sport and competition schedule, accommodation, accreditation, transport, press and photo operations.

VENUE CONCEPT Paris 2024’s venue concept fully embraces the Olympic Agenda 2020 reform programme. To reduce costs and the environmental footprint, Paris 2024 minimised any construction to the extent that 95 per cent of Paris 2024 venues are either existing or temporary.

World Press Briefing participants were able to witness this concept with their own eyes during a venue tour, which took in existing venues such as the Bercy Arena (which will host gymnastics, basketball and wheelchair basketball); the Nautical Stadium – Vaires-sur-Marne (rowing, canoe, Para rowing and Para canoe); and the Velodrome and BMX Stadium (track cycling, BMX racing and Para-cycling).

PARALYMPIC VENUES In addition to Versailles (equestrian, modern pentathlon and Para equestrian (dressage)), iconic locations in Paris city centre that will serve as a background for temporary venues also formed part of the tour, including the Grand Palais (fencing, taekwondo, wheelchair fencing and Para taekwondo); La Concorde (basketball 3x3, breaking, BMX freestyle, skateboard street and skateboard park); Pont Alexandre III (triathlon, marathon swimming, road cycling and Para triathlon); Invalides (athletics, road cycling, Para-archery and Para-athletics); and Champ-de-Mars (with a temporary arena for judo, wrestling, Para Judo and wheelchair rugby, and the Stade Tour Eiffel for beach volleyball and five-a-side football).

PARTICIPATION Some 70 communications representatives from the National Olympic Committees and International Summer Sports Federations also benefited from a specific briefing on media operations and an interactive communications workshop delivered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

World Press Briefings in the host cities of the Olympic Games are a key part of the approach taken by the IOC and the Organising Committees for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in their efforts to ensure athletes' performances are given the attention and coverage they deserve.

The Olympic Games will take place from 26 July until 11 August 2024 and the Paralympic Games between 28 August and 8 September.

Source AIPS

A maiden Open Championship for young Athletes and Basketball players U15-20 is set to be hosted in Ghana on the 23rd September 2023 at the Paa Joe Sports Stadium -KNUST. The event is organised by Healthy Life Global and Healthy Life Global Sportsplex Ghana in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

This is an opportunity for young athletes and basket ball players across the country to participate and exhibit their skills to stand a chance to be selected to travel to the USA for a month long training in selected universities in athletics and basket ball.  According to a statement by Healthy Life Global Sportplex, ‘‘The launch of the event is to create opportunity for young talents across the country to progress with their skills and live their potentials to the fullest as international athletes to develop their communities.’’

 This program will offer some coaches and chaperons an opportunity to join the training program to enrich their skills to create a better impact for their athletes.

The event is in line with the mission of the organisation to transform and empower communities through innovative training, advanced athletics, specialised education, health awareness, information technology and performing arts.

Healthy Life Global is a non governmental organisation with its vision to be an international catalyst to inspire personal and professional development of future leaders who transform culture through innovative programmes and healthy lifestyle beyond the court, field and stage. 

Healthy Life Global Communication

The Ghana meet of Afro Break International battle will take place on Saturday at Fase Gardens, opposite the Bethel Presby Church at Labadi in Accra to select the Ghana champion, before the grand international finale on November 18 at Tetalta Entertainment Center, Dzorwulu in Accra.

Judges for the event which is supported by the GOC, KGL and the French Emdassy have arrived from the USA and France. They are Tafiya, Khalifa and Gidinasty

The programme will include kids’ battles, battle exhibition (Krump and Hiphop), B Boys and B Girls battles and other entertainment.

Other countries will select their champions before the final African meet in Accra.

B Boy Lyricx founder of Afro Break expressed his gratitude to all who have supported the vision.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

James Town, an abode of boxing in Ghana was lightened up on Friday morning when the refurbished Bronx Boxing Gym in the community was handed over by Mr. Eazi, a popular musician, businessman and sports fan to Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko.

The ceremony attracted a lot of dignitaries and personalities including veteran boxing manager and consultant Mr. Yoofi Boham, Sharaf Mahama, son of former President John Mahama, Mr. Sammy Anim Addo CEO of Bronx Boxing Promotions, Mr. Bernard Quartey President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. Dauda Fuseni Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Mr. Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, Mr. Kobby Annan, Mr. Fletcher Enchill, Osibo, Alhaji Theo Tetteh CEO of Golden Beach Resort, World class boxing referee Mr. Roger Barnor, Hon.Ashie Kotey, former IBF World Champion Joseph Fresh King Kong Agbeko, former IBC World Champion Emmanuel Tagoe and others.

MC Sam Gold set the stage after prayers and cutting of the tape before entry.

Mr. Eazi, CEO of Chop Life who financed the marvelous work which include an office and dressing room presented a glove to symbolize the handing over of the project.

He acknowledged the champions and those who invest and support boxing.

He said Africa  has abundant talent but lack facilities to develop

Sustaining community development and he is ready to support the film, music and sports industries.

"This is the beginning of many initiatives, thank you all for believing in Africa" he said.

The Chop Life Gaming boss added "Chop life before life chop you".

After graduating from KNUST and Harvard University, the enterprising entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Ajibade aka Mr Eazi. became a Musician and successful Businessman who loves sports and people in general. His company, betPawa sponsors the Ghana Premier League.

An exhibition bout between Daniel Selassie Gosh and John Zile saw what Bronx Boxing Gym can produce as they declared their readiness for international titles.

Coach Carl Lokko who is a board member of the Ghana Boxing Authority said many boxing gyms are lacking in equipment despite that fact that Ghana has quality boxers. He expressed that boxers need to train and live in a clean and nice environment, so he thanked Mr. Eazi for assisting the gym, dubbed as the 'Home of Champions.

Another exhibition bout between two WBO Africa Champions, John Laryea and Sheriff Quaye got the fans cheering and clapping.

Joseph Agbeko, former WBC Bantamweight champion thanked Mr. Eazi for supporting boxing instead of music which is his field.

Dauda Fuseni, Vice President of GBF thanked Chop Life Gaming and urged Bronx Gym to maintain the facility.

Mr. Sammy Anim Addo CEO of Bronx Boxing Promotions hoped that more gyms will also benefit from such philanthropic individuals.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Ibrahim Sannie Daara is backing Black Stars poster boy Mohammed Kudus to reach the very top of football.

The renowned Ghanaian media personality is one who has always believed in the talent of the new West Ham United star.

In a post on Twitter, Ibrahim Sannie Daara has shared his 16-point advice on how Mohammed Kudus can become the very best.

Among the points, he has admonished Mohammed Kudus to continue to put family first, marry early and avoid slay queens.

“MARRY EARLY - One of the pitfalls for several ex-African footballers is excessive womanising. Those that married early stayed grounded and were successful. Good examples are Abedi Pele and Stephen Appiah.

“SLAY QUEENS - Avoid them. Divorce rates for Ghanaian footballers when they retire is high because the fame and fortune is gone. The mindblowing photos of women on social media doesn't show their true character. You must know that most of them are attracted to you because of your fame and perceived fortune. Ask yourself this: 'Will this woman be interested in marrying me if I was staying in Nima and playing for Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League?' If the answer is 'no' then that's your red flag.

FAMILY FIRST - You are already doing this - stick to it. You are already taking good care of mum, dad, granny, uncles and your brothers and sister. Sending mum and granny to go on the Hajj pilgrimage recently is completely praiseworthy. Taking mum to watch your matches in Europe is a masterstroke. They are the only ones that put everything on the line for you and they will stand by you in all circumstances,” parts of the post by Ibrahim Sannie Daara said.

In addition, the respected Ghanaian media guru wants Mohammed Kudus to manage his finances wisely to safeguard his future.

Source Footballghana

The 2023 edition of Afro Break Dance Championship has been launched at the Nima Mamobi Community Library by Nana Tufour Okai aka B Boy Lyricx, President of the Breaking Federation of Ghana and Afro Break, with the support of the French Embassy in Ghana and the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).

He said this is another opportunity for the youth to showcase their talent and win a handsome prize as well as have the chance to represent Ghana at the international level.

He noted that special championship belts and cash prizes are at stake for winners in both male and female categories.

Present at the event with involved a conference, workshop, film screening and performances was attended also by  Hip Hop and Breaking practitioners from the USA and Canada who advised their Ghanaian counterparts to take the project serious and invest in themselves.

The theme of the programme was ‘Promoting Break Dancing as a tool for youth mobilization and development’.

The guests and founder of Afro Break shared some experiences about Hip hop in Ghana and its influence and commended organisations as well as individuals who have supported the vision and mission like KGL and the GOC.

Nana Tufour Okai briefed the house on how he started and how far he has come in creating the community of Break Dancers who are looking forward to put Ghana on the world map.

He said the national Afro Break battle will take place on Saturday at Fase Gardens at Labadi to select the Ghana champion, before the grand international finale on November 18 at Tetalta Entertainment Center, Dzorwulu in Accra.

It will involve kids’ battles, battle exhibition (Krump and Hip hop), B Boys and B Girls battles and other entertainment.

Miss Nada Mills Amartey who represented the French Embassy received a citation on behalf of her employers and she urged the youth who are into Breaking and other sports to be serious and take Dancing as a big venture. She was elated that Breaking is part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine who represented the GOC President said Breaking is the latest sport added to the Olympic Games among others and dancers in Ghana must take advantage to polish their talents and skills to also take part and benefit.

Some beneficiaries of the Afro Break vision shared their experiences in traveling to meet other battles and enjoying the exposure.

They hailed B Boy Lyricx for the opportunities he has given them to travel and compete with others in different countries, as well as the education and knowledge they have got.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

While luck eluded the Black Bombers and the Black Hitters, referees and judges also did not favour them and so Ghana had to end the 2023 African Olympic Qualifying dream in Dakar, Senegal on a sad note.

Out of 12 boxers made up of seven male and five female none could make it to the finals.

Theophilus Allotey sailed to the Semi Final but was beaten by a Tunisian in a competition dominated by North Africans.

Heavyweight hopeful, Jonathan Tetteh who was in the Quarter Final was also beaten by an Algerian.

Experienced captain Abdul Wahid Qmar was also beaten in a strange manner.

Coach of the Black Hitters Rashid Williams aka Believer said it is not easy to beat the North Africans because they dominate the officials.

He called on more West Africans to take courses to be allowed to officiate at the international level.

But head coach of the team, Dr. Ofori Asare is not perturbed and feels as the eye and hope of the nation when it comes to international games, the boxing team must be prepared well like the Black Stars or even better.

He was sad no Ghanaian was able to reach the medal zone, but still feels proud of his team.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ahmed Ibrahim is the President of International Kickboxing Federation- Ghana.

Under his stewardship, the federation has chalked several successful stories including the appointments of some Executive members to high positions at the mother federation. He recently appointed a Vice President to see to the spreading of the good news of Kickboxing for self defence, competition and physical exercise.

Through Ahmed Ibrahim many fighters have the chance to enhance their knowledge, development their talents and skills and have the opportunities at their doorstep for championship in Europe.

Some of the fighters are making great names as their personal glory and achievements keeps increasing.

The team led by Ahmed Ibrahim deserves recognition for also laying down marketing plans to bring on board sponsorship packages in supporting the fighters during their travels.

Kickboxing is changing the face of sport in Ghana and beyond as it offers numerous golden opportunities to people with high interest in making good name for themselves and their country.

The sport in many ways has taken children from the street, from becoming drug addicts and dangerous to the society of which Ghana is off no exception.

In recent past, Kickboxing has seen massive growth with several championship and seminars held for it Federation with the vision of developing the sport.

As Ghana prepares for the African Games, his dream and hope is that the nation hosts and win most medals in all the combat sports.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

In 2022 he was dropped for no reasonable reason when Ghana was preparing for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Currently he is the only boxer out of 12 Ghanaians who entered for the African Olympic Games Qualifiers to Paris 2024. He will fight this evening for a final slot.

Allotey comes from Coach Dr. Ofori Asare's Wisdom Boxing Gym, and regarded as a gem.

He started boxing at a very tender age, passed through the juvenile stage, worked as a Rocket, now a Bomber and has been tipped for greatness.

Today he takes on Tunisian, Ala Zidi in the Semi Final of the Olympic Games Qualifier, a win will take him to the final and he is on the flight to Paris.

So far, Allotey has been impressive, winning all his bouts in style and excellence. He has distinguished himself and will deserve the SWAG Amateur Boxer of the year.

According to Dr. Asare, Allotey is destined for greatness because he is one of the cool, calm and obedient boxers, he does not play with his boxing as a game, sport or business.

He is determined, dedicated and focused to achieve, so the whole of Ghana must support him in prayers to clinch victory today and join the Olympic train.

Friends of Boxing (FOB) and the Boxing Writers Association of Ghana (BWAG) wish him all the best.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Introducing the official kits for the U18 Baseball5 team for the upcoming Baseball5 World Cup in Turkey from October 10–15.

The kits are designed to be both stylish and functional, and they will help the team represent Ghana proudly on the world stage.

The jerseys are made of a lightweight, breathable fabric that will help the players adapt to various climatic conditions during the game.

They also feature a unique design that incorporates elements of Ghanaian culture and tradition.

Follow us @gbsf_gh across all platforms for more details.

#Ghana #unveiling #launch #kits #Jersey #baseball5

@wbsc @wbsc_baseball5 @wbsc_africa @turkishairlines

Source Ghana Baseball