The Ghana Swimming League is coming up with a special competition dubbed ‘Meet Of Champions’ on Saturday July 1^st and Sunday July 2^nd at the Burma Camp Sports Complex.

The event starts at 9am prompt and all the swimming clubs in the league and swimmers are participating, like GH Dolphins, Marlins, Lincoln Community School, Alraad Swim School, Alpha Beta School, Turtles Swim School, GH Aquatic Masters and others.

Mrs. Delphina Quaye, President of the Ghana Swimming Association said the organization of more events and competitions will get the swimmers very active and in shape to be able to represent the country when called upon.

She commended the Swimming League organisers.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The coach of the Black Meteors, Ibrahim Anyars Tanko, has expressed his determination to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that his team emerges victorious against Guinea on Friday at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangiers.

With the Guineans occupying second place in Group A on account of a healthier goal difference, only victory for the national U-23 side will grant them qualification to the knockout stages of the ongoing 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to journalists at the team's base in Rabat's Ibis Hotel on Wednesday, following their final training session at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Tanko acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football but remained confident in Ghana's ability to secure the three points and advance.

Coach Ibrahim Tanko is confident Ghana would make it to the semi-finals of the competition

"It's football, and anything can happen, but I'm 100 per cent sure that we are going to have the three points and qualify," affirmed Tanko.

Tanko reassured that his players were not disheartened by the 5-1 defeat against Morocco and were already in high spirits during training. Despite this setback, Tanko emphasized that he will rely on the versatility of his talented offensive players and implement some strategic changes to orchestrate a victory over Guinea.

The Black Meteors coach will be counting on the gifted Ernest Nuamah and others to get past Guinea on Friday

He specifically mentioned the versatility of players such as Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Ernest Nuamah Appiah, Emmanuel Yeboah, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, underscoring their importance in securing Ghana's progression into the knockout stages through clinical finishing in front of goal.

The team departed from Rabat on a three-hour journey to Tangiers on Thursday, where they are set to face their Guinean counterparts in the crucial must-win encounter at the Ibn Batouta Stadium on Friday, June 30. Kick-off: 20:00 GMT.

Throughout their Group A campaign, the Meteors have been based in Rabat. However, they will now make the three-hour journey to the coastal city of Tangiers to play against Guinea in order to secure their qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament.

The delegation, consisting of players, technical staff, and officials, left Rabat on Thursday morning to adequately prepare for the upcoming match.

Upon arrival in Tangiers, the team is scheduled to train at the Stadium Annex GST between 8pm and 9pm on Thursday. Furthermore, coach Ibrahim Tanko will address the media at the Media Centre of the Stadium from 7:30pm to 7:55pm.

The Meteors kicked off their journey in the competition with a 3-2 victory against Congo but suffered a humbling 5-1 defeat against hosts Morocco in their second match. As a result, Ghana's goal difference remains unfavourable, and only a win will ensure their progression, especially after Guinea's 3-1 triumph over Congo.

In another Group A fixture, tournament hosts Morocco, who have already secured qualification, will face Congo, who have been eliminated from the competition, in a dead rubber match.

GraphicSports

Papa Yaw Sarkodie claimed his first junior title by beating Walana A. Tapena 10-6 in the G.O junior Tennis Open championship for boys aged 14 and under in Sunyani.

Papa was 4-6 down to his opponent but saved two break points before leveling the match.

 A double fault from Walena gave Papa Yaw an 8-6 lead. Papa Yaw served for his first junior tennis title.

In the boys 12 and under category, Nana Aseda Larbia Lartey won gold after outshining his opponent.

Braden Kwabena Ofori came second took the silver medal and Roger got the third place with a bronze medal.

The boys 10 and under saw Emmanuel Amoako Adom surpass his opponent to win gold with Kwabena Ensonyameye Amanor Martinson winning silver and Welana .A.Tapena picking the bronze medal.

Nyameame Obrempong Yaw Nti Boadu won the gold medal with his junior brother Nyamede Makafui Kwasi Nti Boadu winning the silver medal.

In the ladies' event, Hansie Owusu Adjeiwaa secured gold in the girls 12 and under. Nkomin took second place with a silver medal and Queenster Yeboah picked up the bronze medal.

The girls 5 under category events. Nyhira Darkoa Lartey breezed  past her fellow opponents to win the title, Awurabena Nhyira Mantebea Martinson came second and Adom Owusua won the third position.

Some parents shared their thoughts about their kids' performance.

Madam Naa Ayeley told ghanatennis.org, “Our children are really interested and have shown the enthusiasm to carry the game of tennis to another level. The future looks bright, judging from what I saw, helped by their competent coach, Daniel Kwakye , our children will reach the top of their career.” 

Another parent, Martinson Addai Esther also a tennis enthusiast, said, I am impressed with the level exhibited by the junior tennis players, especially in the finals. I would suggest that parents who are confused about what sports their children should engage in should consider tennis.

The one day G. O. Junior Tennis Open Championship was sponsored by Joamarthax Enterprise, Pepway Pharmacy, George Darko Tennis Foundation and Fine Natural Mineral water.

In other related news G.O. Tennis Club will trek from Sunyani to Takoradi to play  GHACEM Tennis Club in a friendly tennis tournament on the Ghana’s Repubic day on Saturday the 1st July 2023.

Source Gabby Amoakoh

Madam Edna Woname's Ethna Beauty Store at Teshie Nungua Estates is the latest new sponsor of this year's 2023 WISA Achievers Awards in September.

Ethna Beauty parlour deals in beauty products, skin care and hair products, especially wigs.

She has been impressed with the effort and contributions of WISA on the lives of sports ladies.

And as her daughter, Kelsey receives an award, she also wants to play a part in the programme and event.

President of Women In Sports Association WISA, Madam Gloria Commodore thanked her for the special gesture and support for women in sports to look cheerful, smart and beautiful.

She said some men who have helped female sports activities and females directly like Boxing coach Ofori Asare of the Wisdom Boxing Club, Rev Nikoi of Ghana Netball fame and Mr. Emmanuel Nii Adjin Olla Williams, a very popular sports organiser as well as the Attoh Quarshie Boxing Club are going to be recognized and honoured.

"These guys are supporting lots of women in sporting activities" she said.

She named other winners like the Black Princesses and their coach.

The full list will be out for publishing very soon.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The triumphant Ghanaian Special Olympics Team arrived in the country on Monday, June 26, 2023, following their remarkable performance in the 2023 Special Olympics Summer Games held in Berlin, Germany.

With great pride, the team brought back three medals from the competitions they participated in during the games. Ghana secured silver and bronze medals in table tennis and added another medal in Athletics.

Although the football team narrowly missed out on a medal in the football division, losing to host country Germany in the third-place play-off, their valiant efforts deserve recognition.

Speaking to the press upon their arrival, Emmanuel Kwabena Baidoo, the Deputy Leader of Team Ghana, expressed his satisfaction with the team's overall performance, highlighting their placement among the top teams in the tournament.

Baidoo commended the players for their exceptional performance and attributed their success to the meticulous pre-tournament preparations they had undergone. He acknowledged that the competition had provided the team with a valuable platform to build upon and achieve even greater success in future competitions.

Zola Marie, who clinched the bronze medal in the 100m race, expressed gratitude to the coaches and officials for their unwavering support throughout the tournament. Promising to maintain the impressive performance, Marie vowed to work diligently to continue making significant strides.

He firmly believes that the team has exhibited clear signs of progress, setting their sights on securing the first-place position in upcoming competitions. With determination and perseverance, the Ghanaian Special Olympics Team aims to consistently excel and bring more laurels home in the future.

www.graphic.com.

James Thompson, a former athlete, now coach  and sports organiser says it is time that the sports minister, the military high command and the government do something to help put the El-Wak sports Stadium into good shape for sporting activities, especially athletics .

He said the tartan tracks at the stadium must be removed and re fixed.

"The only sports facility left for schools and the general public is the El-Wak stadium and it is in a very bad state and as a country who want to win medals at international competitions to use such facility for these hopes will be impossible" he expressed.

Thompson aka Bakayano called on the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo to help put the El-Wak stadium into a good shape for Athletics and he  urged the sports minister to pay a working visit to the stadium to see for himself the bad state of the facility.

He was at the stadium to watch the inter-schools and collegiate games on Thursday and saw that the poor student athletes have no choice but to run on the bad tracks which is even not safe for  their health.

He said the GAA and GOC have all complained about the tracks but nothing has been done to it. It is time the government turn it's attention to athletics .

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Executive Board of Ghana Athletics has confirmed that its quadrennial elective congress is set to take place on Thursday, August 10th, 2023.

This congress aligns with article 13.3 of the association’s constitution.

The venue for the Congress is scheduled to be Techiman in the Bono East Region, with proceedings commencing at 11 am.

A press statement, signed by Bawah Fuseini, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Athletics, revealed the positions that will be contested during the congress, including President, 1st Vice President, a female 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Organizing Secretary, and Deputy Organizing Secretary.

Nomination forms must be submitted no later than Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, and the list of nominees will be published on Tuesday, July 18th, 2023.

It is mandatory for aspirants to represent a member association, and nominations must be endorsed by either the chairman or Secretary General of the respective member associations.

Steven Tuekpe, the current International Chinese Boxing Organization (ICBO) title holder at + 80kg category has arrived in Ghana to oversee the organization of first ever African Open Combat Sport Championship to be held at the Korean Sports Complex at Tema, Community 3 on July 14 and 15, 2023.

Speaking to news men at the Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday evening, he expressed his joy coming back home to meet family, fans and friends, and indicated that the African Open is a great opportunity for Ghana as the host.

He noted that other African nationals would be competing in Point Fighting, K1, Karate Do, Kickboxing, MMA, Judo and Taekwondo and winning attractive and fantastic prizes like medals and sports kits.

According to Tuekpe, officials of World Kickboxing Union(WKU) would be competing from Germany, Canada and England to support the event.

He spoke about giving back to society and the responsibility of sportsmen and women to contribute to the social economic development of the country.

He hinted that one of his topmost plans and vision is to construct a modern sports complex in Ghana for kids and the youth to develop and enhance their talents in sports.

He was accompanied by his German wife, Alexandria and son.

Steavano Kojo Tuekpe splendidly defeated Saruhan Dilmal to win the -91kg Weight Class, of ICBO K-1 Style in 2022.

The Germany based Ghanaian is delight to watch with his strength, speed and skill.

Steavano Tuekpe is the official representative and active President of (WKU) World Kickboxing And Karate Union Ghana and holds a 2nd Dan Master Degree.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Erica Sedro Proves Dominance At 2023 National Cycling Championship Female Elites

Erica Sedro of Team Sky place first to win the gold medal in the Female Elite in the 2023  National Championship hosted by Ho, the capital of Volta region.

The two-day event organized by the Ghana Cycling Federation was delighted by Ghana’s female cyclists on the road race competing among themselves, where Sedro overpowered her counterparts for the first position, the Ghana jersey and the gold medal.

Sedro maintained her title in the Elite Women’s Division in a distance of 65.2km of 4 laps with an average speed of 23.48km with a finishing time of  twenty-three minutes followed by Florence Heridoh with a finished time of thirty-five minute respectively.

The Race held on the main street of Ho witness a lot of side attractions of cycling lovers enjoying the road event.

The National Championship is part of the preparations towards the upcoming Accra 2023 All African Games to be staged in Ghana next year March as well as Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.

Erica Sedro told Yours Truly, about her excitement for defending her title in this year’s championship.

She said, “I’m very happy for winning this championship again and most importantly I want to thank Ghana Cycling Federation for giving me the opportunity to exhibit my talents.”

Adding, “to my club owner, my coach, referees and all my team members of the Team Sky Cycling Club.” She stressed.

She said, “I am appealing to the federation to continue organising the races so that we can have more women in the competition just like our men’s counterparts.”

Mr. Mohammed Shaban, Secretary General o the GCF said their priorities are to have more women competing as Ghana prepares for the African Game.

He said, “I want to encourage more women to use cycling as their profession. I will support all female cyclists to attain their dreams of becoming champions and popular, we want to win medals for Ghana.”   

By Elizabeth Alhassan Gyamfi

Black Meteors of Ghana faced a crushing defeat at the hands of a brilliant Atlas Lions, young Moroccan side, as the host secured a convincing 5-1 victory to secure their place in the semi-finals of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.

Having narrowly won their opening match against Congo, Ghana entered the game with hopes of building on their previous success. However, they encountered a completely transformed Moroccan team that displayed exceptional skills and controlled the match comfortably at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Morocco wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking an early 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes through goals from Amir Richardson and Ismael Saibari.

The host nation's outstanding performance continued, and they extended their lead to 3-0 in the 30th minute with a superb goal from Yanis Begraoui, leaving the Ghanaian defense bewildered and the local fans thrilled.

Ghana managed to pull one back through Salim Adams in the 43rd minute, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Fatawu Issahaku's brilliant shot found the net just before halftime, only for the goal to be disallowed due to the ball going out of play in the build-up.

The controversial decision visibly demoralised the Ghanaian team, and their spirits were further dampened as Morocco scored two quick goals in the early stages of the second half. Captain Abde and Begraoui each found the back of the net, securing a commanding 5-1 lead for Morocco.

Although Morocco thought they had scored a sixth goal in added time, it was disallowed. Meanwhile, Ghana made some promising offensive plays, forcing saves from Morocca goalkeeper Alaa Bellaarouch.

The heavy defeat leaves Ghana in a precarious position in the tournament. In order to progress to the next round and keep their Olympic Games hopes alive, they must win their final group stage match against Guinea. Guinea, who defeated Congo earlier in the day, also have three points and are vying for a spot in the semi-finals.

Ghana will need to regroup and deliver a strong performance in their last group match to avoid an early exit from the U-23 AFCON and maintain their aspirations of qualifying for the Olympic Games.

Ghanasoccernet