The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, was presented with the Olympic Order today by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. The award ceremony was held at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland. At the same time, the IOC honoured the WHO, as an organisation, with the Olympic Cup for 2021.

Leading the WHO, Dr Tedros played an inspirational role in ensuring the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 took place, and supported the cooperation agreement between the IOC and the WHO signed in 2020.

The collaboration has led to a number of joint initiatives and programmes for healthier communities through sport, the latest being the Let’s Move campaign for this year’s Olympic Day.  The Let’s Move initiative shines a light on the benefits of moving more and contributes to the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy, where one of the key aims is to increase access to sports opportunities, and bring the health and societal benefits of physical activity to communities in all corners of the globe.

“For many of our initiatives we rely on the expertise, input and engagement of the WHO,” President Bach explained. “In this respect, you, dear Tedros, have set the pace – because from the very day we signed our cooperation agreement, you have led by example, driving our cooperation forward with so much energy, leadership and commitment.”

Reflecting on the unprecedented challenge of organising Tokyo 2020, the first-ever Games to be postponed in Olympic history, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Bach described the personal support and guidance he received from Dr Tedros as crucial: “Your advice was essential for us to develop the comprehensive countermeasures. Your expertise and wise counsel resulted in the so-called Playbooks detailing the specific countermeasures.”

He continued: “I would like to again express my heartfelt thanks to you, because from the outset you supported the Playbooks and made your support known publicly to instil confidence in the athletes, the Japanese Organising Committee, the National Olympic Committees and the public at large.”

“You stood with us all the way. You kept your promise and came to Tokyo, where you addressed the IOC Session and a worldwide audience. This is why it is fair to say that, without your steadfast personal support, these Olympic Games could not have happened in this safe way.”

President Bach invited Dr Tedros to be an IOC guest of honour at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Responding to his award, Dr Tedros said: “It is with deep pride and humility that I receive the Olympic Order and, on behalf of WHO, the 2021 Olympic Cup. I thank all colleagues working around the world for their work to protect and promote health.

“I thank in particular the WHO mass gathering team in Geneva, which strongly supported both the Tokyo and Beijing Organising Committees to hold safe and successful Games during the COVID-19 pandemic. These two awards reflect WHO’s commitment to make sport healthier and safer.”

Special honour for WHO

During the ceremony, IOC President Bach also honoured the WHO with the Olympic Cup for 2021, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

“During these unprecedented times, we were very fortunate that we could always count on the unwavering support, sound advice and practical guidance of Team WHO. Standing together, we could make these Olympic Games into a celebration of hope for all humankind. And this is something that the entire Olympic Movement will always be grateful for.”

The cooperation of the two organisations has also been focusing on the importance of sport for physical and mental health.

“Beyond such joint efforts to fight the pandemic, we are also cooperating to build healthy and active communities through sport. This is urgently needed because, worldwide, one in four adults and three in four adolescents do not engage in enough physical activity. Here sport can have an impact, because sport is the low-cost, high-impact tool par excellence for health, promoting physical activity and fighting non-communicable diseases,” said President Bach.

Please find here the full speech by the IOC President.

The Olympic Cup is a unique award and was created in 1906 by the IOC’s founder, Pierre de Coubertin. The Olympic Cup is the highest distinction for an organisation with a proven record of promoting the ideals of the Olympic Movement.

IOC and WHO longstanding partnership

The IOC and WHO have enjoyed a longstanding partnership since 1984, leading to numerous joint initiatives to fight physical inactivity through sport. In May 2020, the two organisations signed a new Cooperation Agreement, demonstrating their shared commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, sport and active recreation, as a tool for health across the globe.

In 2022, a new joint programme between the IOC and WHO was signed. Aimed at strengthening the role of sport in contributing to the global target of a 15 per cent reduction in physical inactivity by 2030 and fostering healthy and active lives, the three-year programme forms part of the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy.

The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.2 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

IOC

Mr. Daniel Amoo, technical director (TD) of Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) has called on club owners, technical men and coaches to register their top cyclists for the upcoming National Cycling Championship slated for 24 and 25 June at Ho in the Volta Region.

He said the National Cycling Championship is very important for all cyclists to participate because the UCl uses such Championships to rank individual cyclists at the international level.

According to him it is the ultimate price in this championships which cyclists needs to join and showcase their talents at bigger events.

"We have acquired all the safety needs to host this Championship because the safety of our top cyclists on the road is key to the federation. We have engaged with the Police and authorities in Ho and everybody that matters in our safety.

"I assured all cyclists, club owners, cycling fans and the media that Ho in the Volta Region  is ready to host this years Cycling Championship” he expressed.

The two days event will feature elite and under 23 riders in 180km, Junior Men, 120km, Women Elite 100km and Women’s Junior, 60km.

He noted that the streets of Ho will decide who wins 2023 National Championship, come June 24 to 25.

He added that the Ho competition should prepare the national cyclists for the world championship in Glasgow, Scotland where Ghana hopes to represent and make a statement for African Cycling.

By Elizabeth Alhassan Gyamfi

About 100 golfers have been invited from the various golf clubs from the country to participate in this year’s MTN Invitational Golf Tournament on Saturday at the Celebrity Golf Club at Sakumono in Accra.

Clubs invited to participate include Achimota, Tema, Royal Golf Club, Kumasi, Bok Nam Kim, Tafo and Tarkwa.

The Theme for the competition is: Our Customer, Our Priority.

According to MTN sources, fantastic prizes will be awarded to winners of the various categories of the event and outstanding golfers.

MTN Invitational Golf Tournament gives the company and the golfers the opportunity not to only play golf but also to strengthen relationship and exchange ideas whilst fostering collaborations.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The African Para Powerlifting Regional competition organised by the World Para Powerlifting ended remarkably at the Accra City Hotel on Monday with host nation, Ghana amassing seven gold medals from Haruna Tahiru, Emmanuel Nii Tetteh, Patricia Nyamekye, Isaac Obeng, Akosua Nkansah, Juliana Ampofo and Frank Fudzi.

Ghana paraded a motivated and highly inspired team of 18 lifters who did well to prove that the nation has men and women who perform at the high stage in Para Powerlifting.

Mr. Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee, Ghana National Paralympic Committee and the Ghana Para Powerlifting was very happy to see the international competition coming up to a successful end in Accra.

He commended and congratulated the para athletes who sacrificed a lot to train and perform.

He urged them not to give up, but aim high to reach their dreams and goals in sports.

He thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the LOC for the first African Para Games and the media for their support in organising the event.

Other nationals who won gold were Kouadio Akissi Michelle, Bance Ousseny and Diamoutene Alidou of Ivory Coast, Victiribe Guissou and Oumarou N’Ziba of Byrkina Faso, Sankoh Rugiatu of Sierra Leone, Camara Aminatu of Guinea and Bawa Aliou of Togo,

The first-ever World Para Powerlifting Organized Competition in Ghana was interesting and the atmosphere at the Accra City Hotel was exciting and encouraging for the competitors.

The participating African countries included Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Gambia , Ghana , Guinea , Liberia , Madagascar , Mali, Mauritius, Nigeria , Senegal , Seychelles, Sierra Leone and Togo

The LOC Chairman Accra 2023 African Para Games, President of the African Paralympic Committee, officials from World Para Powerlifting Organization and officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA) were present.

There was also an exhibition Para Volleyball match at the Bukom Arena.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Dreams Football Club have been crowned Champions of the 2022/23 MTN FA Cup competition following a 2-0 win over King Faisal in the finals.

The two clubs locked horns at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon to battle it out for the only remaining silverware of the football season.

Following a very good display in the first half, Dreams FC took the lead after 20 minutes when Aziz Issah equalised with a brilliant solo effort.

After recess, King Faisal put on a good display in a bid to get back into the contest.

Unfortunately, the team did not have the quality to complete a comeback.

A second goal from Sadiq Alhassan in the 70th minute doubled the lead for Dreams FC and sealed a delightful 2-0 win for the side from Dawu.

Thanks to the victory, Dreams Football Club have been crowned Champions of the 2022/23 MTN FA Cup.

Following the domestic cup triumph, Dreams FC will now represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Meanwhile, Ghana Premier League Champions Medeama Sporting Club will be Ghana’s representative in the CAF Champions League for next season.

Footballghana

Ghanaians have taken on the Black Stars to express their views following the player poor performance in an away stalemate against Madagascar in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

The Black Stars, four times African champions were held at the Stade Barea Mahamasina in Antananarivo by Madagascar in the penultimate AFCON qualifier on Sunday.

This means Ghana will have to wait until the final game of Group E to seal their qualification to the AFCON next year.

Despite the draw, Ghana remain top of the group with 9 points from five games with one more match to go in September against the Central African Republic in Kumasi.

However, it appears Ghanaians were not impressed with the performance of coach Chris Hughton and the entire team.

The Black Stars had players like Atizigi in post, Patrick Kpozo, Dennis Odoi, Daniel Amartey, Thomas Partey,Salis, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Osman Bukari, Joseph Paintsil, Kudus Mohammed and Kamal Sulemana,

Countries who have qualified for the 2023 AFCON so far are Ivory Coast, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Egypt, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau,Mali and Cape Verde

By Elizabeth Alhassan Gyamfi

Greetings,

On behalf of the indefatigable GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye ,I will like to wish you all a happy Father’s day.

The GBA President returned home from the United States for the IBF 2023 Convention where he lobbied for some Ghanaian Boxers regarding ratings and how IBF can assist GBA to promote and reposition our potential world beaters.

Kotei Neequaye had meetings with some seasoned boxing commissioners including renowned female boxing commissioner, Madam Jackie.

Effort is being made by Madam Jackie and her team to ship some boxing equipment to Ghana for the benefit of juvenile, amature and professional boxing. Madam Jackie promised to visit Ghana and help reshape and develop female boxing.

The GBA President is scheduled to meet the Ministry for Youth and Sports to help look at how these boxing equipments could be cleared from the port without any difficulties.

Kotei Neequaye also traveled all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles to engaged with David, a Ghanaian (from Kumasi) in his Boxing Gym on issues related to modernisation of boxing gyms, the required equipments, trainers and how Ghanaian boxers (home and abroad) can benefit from his magnificent facility and knowledge in the industry.

According to the GBA President, David has promised to visit home and see how he can contribute his quota to the development of boxing in Ghana.

Abraham Kotei Neequaye was excitingly welcomed home yesterday at the Bukom Boxing Arena with one of the best fight nights under the Ghana Professional Boxing League promoted by the award winning boxing promoter, Imax Boxing Promotions.

The Bukom Boxing Arena recorded the highest turnout with mouthwatering and quality fights to the admiration of seasoned boxing promoters, managers and foreign dignitaries.

On behalf of Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) I will like to thank all the participating Gyms, boxers, ring officials, the fans and all those who contributed to the success of week 6 of the ongoing Ghana Boxing League-GBA President.

Ladies and Gentlemen of our boxing fraternity, my vision and mission for Ghana boxing is huge and so far I have started reshaping our administrative system, keep our boxers in their tracks, expose all unscrupulous persons and bad elements who contributed to the retrogression of Ghana boxing. I can asure you that the future is bright but we need clean hearts, selflessness, hard work, prayers and discipline to reach our destination-said the GBA President.

Boxing is an individual sport..

Boxing is a noble art of self defense..

Boxing is a sweet science…

Mohammed Amin Lamptey

GBA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION.

Report reveals levels of online abuse during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, with England v France quarter-final causing the largest spike 

Over 19,600 abusive posts detected and reported while almost 290,000 comments automatically hidden

74% of identifiable abuse came from Europe and South America

Today, on the United Nations International Day for Countering Hate Speech, FIFA has released a report into the levels of online abuse aimed at participants during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ based on findings from its social media protection service tool .

The report is published days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Vinícius Júnior – the victim of several shocking racism incidents while playing for his club this season – to discuss how football responds to discriminatory issues.

"Discrimination is a criminal act. With the help of this tool, we are identifying the perpetrators and we are reporting them to the authorities so that they are punished for their actions,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "We also expect the social media platforms to accept their responsibilities and to support us in the fight against all forms of discrimination. Our position is clear: we say no to discrimination."

FIFPRO President David Aganzo added: “The figures and findings in this report do not come as a surprise, but they are still massively concerning. They represent a strong reminder for everyone involved in our game, and it must lead to providing preventative measures and solutions for players who are increasingly facing this type of abuse.

“Football has a responsibility to protect the players and other affected groups around their workspace. Therefore, FIFPRO and FIFA will continue their collaboration and provide the same service at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. But we cannot do this alone – we need all stakeholders to play their part if we want to create a safer and better environment for football.”

One year ago, FIFA announced that it had joined forces with FIFPRO – the worldwide representative organisation for professional footballers – to coordinate and implement a plan on how to protect participating teams, players, officials, and supporters from abuse on social media during its international tournaments.

As a result of that commitment, which was made on the back of independent research into the levels of online abuse at two previous international tournaments (UEFA EURO 2020 and CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2021), FIFA and FIFPRO established the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) – a package of tools designed to protect participants at FIFA events.

In the report released today, it is revealed that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ quarter-final between England and France led to the largest spike of abuse during the tournament. 38% of identifiable abuse came from accounts based in Europe, with 36% from South America.

The SMPS scanned over 20 million posts and comments on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube throughout the tournament and, following specialist artificial intelligence (AI) flagging of abusive comments, strengthened by two layers of human analysis, 19,636 posts/comments were confirmed by the service provider as abusive, discriminatory, or threatening.

These posts/comments were reported directly to the relevant social media platform(s) for breaking their community guidelines. In many cases, the offending posts were removed by the social platform in question as a direct result of being reported by FIFA.

Additionally, participating teams and players at the tournament were offered access to moderation software that would instantly and automatically hide offensive comments (including spam) from their pages, with a total of 286,895 comments hidden from public view before the targeted recipient or their followers had to see their contents.

More than 300 individuals who made abusive, discriminatory, or threatening posts/comments during the tournament have been verifiably identified and this information will be shared with the relevant member associations and jurisdictional law authorities to facilitate real-world action being taken against offenders.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, which begins in just over a month’s time, will also feature SMPS support, with several participating teams having already agreed to implement the moderation element of the service to immediately and automatically limit visibility of online abuse.

In addition, FIFA continues to engage with social media platforms to encourage them to take more action against those who send abusive, discriminatory, and threatening messages to teams and players participating in its tournaments and will continue to share information about offenders with member associations and jurisdictional law authorities to support potential real-world action being taken against them.

FIFA also provides a confidential, dedicated, highly secure and web-based whistleblowing system so that individuals can report abuse. Users can attach supporting documentation and create an anonymous postbox that allows them to correspond with FIFA without submitting personal information. FIFA takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse in football, and all issues raised will be handled in line with our statutory rules, codes of conduct and internal guidelines.

FIFA

Ampem Darkoa Ladies have completed the domestic double for the second year running after beating Police Ladies in the finals of the Women's FA Cup.

The Women's Premier League champions recovered from a goal down to win 3-1 after extra time, clinching their second title of the season.

After a goalless first half, Ampem Darkoa Ladies were stunned on the hour mark after Mary Berko opened the scoring for Police Ladies.

Police Ladies held on for long in the game but with ten minutes remaining striker Ophelia Amponsah responded for the champions to force the game into extra time.

Just like the first half of the game, the first 15 minutes of extra time failed to produce any goals.

However, Ampem Darkoa exerted their dominance in the women's game after Mary Amponsah scored two minute after the break.

She then grabbed her brace sixty seconds later to give Ampem Darkoa a two-goal cushion and put the game beyond their opponents.

Ampem Darkoa have now was back-to-back domestic double and will represent Ghana at the WAFU Zone B Women's Champions League.

GhanaSoccerNet

Fight Night 6 on Saturday, coming immediately after the lift on the ban on drumming and noise making in the Ga Mashie Traditional Area was full of fire and fun, and as usual attracted a full house at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The evening saw many intense and exciting boxing matches.

Sulley Mohammed emerged victorious over Sunday Adeleye by a split decision after six rounds of boxing in their Lightweight Contest.

The rematch between Ernest Ampah and Aminu Quarshie ended in a majority draw, suggesting that a trilogy of a Welterweight match may be needed to determine the superior boxer.

The Super Lightweight Bout encounter between Azumah Mohammed of the Ghana Prisons Service and Emmanuel Noi Mensah of the Black Panthers Gym was a bloody affair. Azumah Mohammed secured a majority decision win.

Son of the GBA President, Cann Neequaye, a young student from Accra Academy Senior High School, wasted no time in the first round, flooring Hope Mawuli to claim victory in the Super Bantamweight Contest.

Crowd favourite Emmanuel Mawuli made quick work of his relatively unknown opponent, Aaron Ashley, as his heavy left hook sent Ashley to the canvas in the first round.

Daniel Quaye of the Bronx Boxing Gym at James Town delivered a technical knockout (T.K.O) in the third round against veteran Benard Ankrah.

Olympic bronze medalist Samuel Takyi who graced the night dominated his opponent Anama Dotse, showcasing his skills and easily defeating him in the third round.

Jerry Lartey of the Ghana Armed Forces won via a T.K.O victory over Daniel Adurah in the third round, concluding the night of powerful and skillful boxing.

Boxing fans had more to cheer about and the League continue to be entertaining and exciting.

By Sammy Heywood Okine