.. Know how much athletes make at biggest track meets

When Jamaican sprinter, Asafa Powell came to Ghana, he said young people can make it in other sports disciplines like Athletics, and not only football.

Our research has revealed that Track and Field athletes earn big at major meets?

Here is how they are paid at the World Championships, Diamond League, the Olympics, and Continental Tour.

Track and Field athletes are among the least-paid professionals in their sporting counterparts around the world.

They earn less than $100,000 for a gold medal won at a major championship and as low as $5000 for an eighth-place finish.

Here's what they get paid for each position finish at premier meets, according to Olympian Fitzroy Dunkley @FitzDunk on twitter.

World Championships

Gold - $70,000

Silver - $35,000

Bronze - $22,000

4th - $16,000

5th - $11,000

6th - $7,000

7th - $6,000

8th - $5,000

Diamond League meetings (not including the finals)

Gold - $10,000

Silver - $6,000

Bronze - $3,500

4th - $2,000

5th - $1,250

6th - $1,000

7th - $750

8th - $500

Continental Tour (can vary every meet but this is the minimum)

Gold - $1,600

Silver - $1,200

Bronze - $900

4th - $600

5th - $400

6th - $300

7th - No payout

8th - No payout

The Olympics

Athletes are not paid at the Biggest Sports Festival - Olympic Games where they get valuable medals, but they are rewarded hugely by their country or sponsor(s) - it however varies, but athletes are happy after performing their best.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Citi FM 'Back To The Village Food Bazaar held at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) premises over the weekend attracted a lot of people from all walks of life.

I heard one person saying "Citi spoil the city" and it was true the crowd was more than the venue, but as others were moving out some were coming in, and it was obvious that next time the organisers should look for a bigger place.

The brain child of the two days event, Samuel Atta Mensah, CEO of Citi FM and TV really jammed the AMA premise in Accra Central, near Tema Station and indeed it was a boast for Ghanaian tourism, business, leisure and fun as people had more to eat, drink and buy.

All kinds of food and drinks were on display and patronage was admirable. Ghanaians, expatriates, parents and kids, students, people from church as well as people walking around just came to have fun.

Patrons were seen enjoying the meals, drinking and taking away,, as some just came for shopping.

Ecobank, Gino, Fortune Rice by Wilmar Africa, Guinness Ghana, Kala Kala Kenkey, Tee Zet HQ and other food vendors visibly displayed their products with pride and satisfaction.

There were cooking, gari soaking and eating competitions as well to spice the event.

Kwan Pa, the exponents of Palm Wine Music were there to entertain the guests and patrons. In fact they really charged the venue and the people sang and danced with them.

Ace media practitioner and consultant, Sammy Heywood Okine who spent many hours at the bazaar said it was successful and hoped that more of such events would be held not only in Accra, but other towns in Ghana to enhance business and tourism. He commended Citi FM for the initiative which brought many people together.

Nii Maale Adsei of Mamedia Ventures, an experienced event organizer who was also in attendance described the bazaar as "Massive and real" He expressed that the media has power and hailed Citi FM and Citi TV.

Ewuraba Adusei, Marketing Manager of Wilmar Africa, distributors of Fortune Rice and Frytol said she was impressed.

Vivian Lokko of Citi FM / TV Business thanked the vendors and visitors. She said it is an annual programme held in March, and hopes that next year will be better and bigger. She hinted that Citi is a dynamic media outfit who always come out with creative ideas that people love.

By Elizabeth Alhassan

Ghanaian boxer, Richard Commey suffered an 11th round TKO defeat to Mexico’s Jose Ramirez in a WBC Junior Welterweight eliminator at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California Saturday night.

After a fiery start to the fight in which the two boxers traded punches, Ramirez dominated in the latter stages, targeting Commey’s body and in the fateful round, the Mexican scored two knockdowns, the second of which produced a full ten count after the Ghanaian took a knee.

The loss left Commey winless in his last three starts as he fell to 30-5-1 (27KOs). His last victory came in February 2021 when he stopped Jackson Marinez in the sixth round. Since then have come a lopsided loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko, a draw with Pedraza and now the second stoppage defeat of his career.

Ramirez had plenty to prove as the main event came after he twice turned down a shot to fight for his old WBC junior welterweight title including a rightly criticized withdrawal from an ordered fight with defending champ Regis Prograis.

The Fight

Commey made it easy for Ramirez, as he walked right in and was willing to trade. Ramirez repeatedly made him pay with right hands upstairs. A left hook snapped back the head of Commey which set up a rally along the ropes. Commey managed a straight right hand that caught Ramirez on the chin in an otherwise lopsided round.

Ramirez continued with his persistent attack throughout round two. Commey was still able to sneak in a right hand but every punch he threw—even the ones that landed—left him open for a relentless body attack dished out by Ramirez who was determined to deliver a knockout finish.

Commey was determined to crash home a game-changing right hand. The former IBF lightweight titlist used his shoulder to partially deflect Ramirez’s incoming shots before letting go with overhand rights. Ramirez was unbothered by the approach and charged forward to pin the visiting boxer along the ropes.

A subtle adjustment by Commey briefly slowed the pace in round four. Commey managed to smother Ramirez’s punches which allowed him to fire off right hands on the inside. This time, Ramirez took the bait as he walked into a right hand and left hook. Commey ripped a left hook downstairs, only for Ramirez to drive him to the ropes and connect with a trio of hooks downstairs.

Ramirez fed off the cheers from the crowd as he rediscovered a consistent home for his right hand in round five. Commey refused to relent, riding out a Ramirez right before he responded with a brief flurry of body punches.

Both boxers exchanged jabs in round six. Commey threw his while he fought in reverse, cognizant of getting pinned against the ropes. Ramirez missed with a power shot along the ropes, as Commey took the action to the center of the ring. Ramirez adjusted his attack and was able to connect with right uppercuts.

Action slowed in round seven, understandably slow after a fiercely fought first half of the fight. Ramirez saved his best moments for the end of the round. The pace slightly picked up in round eight, which saw Commey fight behind his long jab and Ramirez throw in spurts. Neither landed anything of consequence until the end of the round when Ramirez scored with a combination.

Ramirez dramatically and permanently changed the course of the fight in round eleven. A right hand by Ramirez left Commey unsteady before tumbling to the canvas. Referee Jack Reiss issued the standard eight count and assessed the fallen boxer before he allowed the action to continue.

Commey was still unable to fully gather his faculties, as he clinched Ramirez before the two fell to the canvas. Reiss allowed additional time to tick away as he ensured that both boxers were okay before he allowed for the fight to move forward. Ramirez dodged a right hand by Commey and ripped a left hook to the body. Commey was forced to a knee, where he took the full ten count.

Source New Agencies

The Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) is feverishly preparing for the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championship in Glasgow, Scotland from August 3rd to 13th, 2023.

According to the Secretary General, Mr. Mohammed Shaaban, Ghana will parade cyclists who are going shock the organisers and participants this year because they are going to surprise everyone.

He said the team has been beefed up by young cyclists who will combine with the experienced ones and he was sure that Ghana will definitely leave a mark at the competition.

Miss Elizabeth Alhassan, a young sports journalist and cycling enthusiast who is supporting the Federation in Media relations and organization said she has seen the cyclists training and they have potential.

"Last year and this year, I have been to all the competitions organized by the GCF and I can confidently say our cyclists have improved tremendously, they are getting to a level that they can rob shoulders with the best in Africa, and gradually they will reach the elite and world class " she expressed.

She appealed to companies to invest in the cyclists and the Federation, because they are good, and need some motivation.

The World Cycling Championship will take place from 3rd to 13th August 2023.

The world's greatest cyclists will get together in Glasgow and across Scotland to compete at the highest level, make history, and show the world the power of the bike.

Ghana boast of cyclists like SWAG Award winner Anthony Boakye Dankwa Boafo, Victor Akpabli Cudjoe, Frank Awuku Akuffo, Lawrence Adjei, Isaac Sackey and Solomon Tagoe.

Some of the rising stars / upcoming top cyclists are Joseph Nii Quaye of Team Sky, Mohammed Ramsey of River Park Ashanti, Peter Osei of River Park BA, Ebenezer Frank Quaye of All Stars Prince Hackman, Alexander Allotey of TBT, Prosper Agbo of City Migro, Micheal Nabaa of team FCG and others.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Global Star Education Outreach in partnership with Noble Affis Consult Educational - UNIGAPS presents the 2023 edition of CASA SHS Summit under the theme- Enhancing the light in the SHS Graduate.

The Summit comes off at the University of Ghana Legon on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Guest Speakers for the occasion are Hon. John Dumelo, Actor, Farmer, UN Ambassador and Aspiring Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wugon, and Dr. Emmanuel Ampofo.

Other speakers are Patrick Owusu West Wugon and the President of UNIGAPS.

According to Mr. Mohammed Kobina Affisah, organizer of the Seminar, issues to be discussed will include Career Guidance, Admission Process and Scholarship Opportunities, among others.

He urged SHS student to attend the event in their numbers, as they would be equipped with much knowledge in choosing their subjects and programmes at the tertiary level.

He advised all participants must register via the short code *713*33*103#, as it is strictly no code, no entry.

He also promised that buses will be available before and after to take participants to vantage points in Accra.

For further questions contact, 0246856667 and 0248785807

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Black Stars will be without four key players, Andre Ayew, Salisu Mohammed, Dennis Odoi and Alexander Dziku in the reverse fixture against Angola in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers on Monday.

Captain Andre Ayew, who was left on the bench during the first leg in Kumasi has been ruled out after sustaining a knee injury on Thursday.

The Nottingham Forest attacker will return to England for further treatment on his knee. Ayew sustained an injury after slipping on his way to the dressing room which affected his knee after Thursday’s game.

Elsewhere, Odoi, Dziku and Saliu will also miss the trip to Luanda for the return leg which takes place on Monday due to injuries.

However, the Ghana Football Association wishes them a speedy recovery, and coach Houghton is sure they will qualify for the Afcon.

The Black Stars will leave Ghana on Saturday, March 25, 2023 ahead of the reverse fixture on Monday.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The players, management and technical team of the Black Meteors have arrived in Ghana after their first-leg AFCON U23 qualifiers against Algeria.

The team touched down in the early hours of Saturday morning and were transported to their hotel, where the squad will rest before training later in the day.

The Black Meteors will leave for Kumasi on Sunday to continue preparations ahead of the second-leg on Tuesday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku netted stunning long range goal for the Black Meteors, who were held by the North Africans after conceding a late penalty.

The Ghana U23 team need a win to qualify for the U23 champions to be hosted in Morocco. The tournament will serve as a qualification competition for the next year's summer Olympics in Paris.

The men's U23 team has not been to the Olympic Games since Athens 2004 in Greece.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the Ghana Black Stars' match against Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

In a statement, the GFA thanked the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his wise counsel and support, and the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for ensuring the team's smooth preparation for the match, which contributed to the hard-fought win.

The GFA also expressed appreciation to sponsors and partners who continue to invest in the team, and the National Sports Authority for their effort in putting the game together.

The statement also highlighted the support of various religious bodies, including Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, who offered prayers for the team's success.

The media was also recognized for their vital role in securing a massive turnout during Thursday's match, and fans and students who thronged the stadium to support the Black Stars were applauded for their incredible support.

The GFA emphasized that such collective efforts will continue to play an important role in keeping the Black Stars moving in a positive direction. The statement concluded by expressing optimism that the team's success will continue with the support of all stakeholders.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) together with their partner, SES HD PLUS, Ghana’s premium high-definition (HD) satellite broadcast service provider, will renew their commitment to develop the sport of Armwrestling on Monday, 27 March 2023.

The two parties will put pen on paper for the second season of the High School scouting experience dubbed ‘HD+ Kids Armwrestling’ at the Executive Boardroom of the GNAT Hall in Accra.

Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation told www.ghanaarmwrestling.com ahead of the lunch that, “this partnership with HD+ is a mission to the vision of preparing future champions by GAF as mandated by the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF) to encourage participation by all especially the juvenile.”

He added that “as Vice President of the World Federation, I am of the firm belief that the foundation of any sport is development at the basic level hence our joy as we embark on another thrilling journey with HD+.

“We have once again partnered with HD+ for this massive project because we believe they have the right platform to help us reach our target and we believe this partnership would go a long way to get more people to play armwrestling while watching quality weekly production on the HD+ Service.”

He added that details of the roadmap for the second season will be given at the signing event which will be witnessed by top officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Authority, the Ghana Olympic Committee, and the Ghana Education Service.

Adelaide Abbiw-Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SES HD PLUS Ghana said, “We are pleased to continue this partnership with GAF this year. Beyond supporting GAF’s Kids Armwrestling, we believe that this partnership will enable more positive experiences for kids in and out of home to support the HD+ offer of safe, fun and educative kids channels in high definition pictures to TV homes in Ghana”

The HD+ Kids Armwrestling Championship is aimed at encouraging children to participate in Armwrestling and it is opened to children aged between 12 and 16 years.

Some kids from the HD+ Kids Armwrestling Championships in 2022 have been drafted into the National Armwrestling Juvenile Academy and are billed to represent Ghana during the upcoming Africa Armwrestling Championship and the Africa Games scheduled for Ghana.

Source : www.ghanaarmwrestling.com

Black Meteors drew 1-1 with Algeria in the first leg of the U23 African Cup of Nations at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba on Friday night.

Both teams played with caution in the first half, hoping for a chance to score, but there was none, as the first half finished 0-0.

After halftime, Algeria was awarded a penalty, but Ghana goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim saved it brilliantly to maintain the game tied.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku scored a spectacular goal from the center circle in the 83rd minute with a strong drive that rocketed into the net.

Unfortunately, the Black Meteors gave away a penalty kick in injury time that was this time around converted to restore parity for the hosts. The team return immediately after the match to start preparing for the second leg, which is slated for Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the Baba Yara Sports stadium.

The winner of the two legs will advance to the Morocco U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.

The Black Meteors is coached by Tanko Ibrahim who is assisted by Godwin Attram.

From Sammy Heywood Okine