Establish common fund for sports development -ECOWAS

Accra, July 5, GNA - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on member states to establish a Common Fund to accelerate the development of sports in the sub-region. The sub-regional body also called on member states to include the practice of sports in the curricula of schools and colleges as part of the development plan.

The proposals were contained in a three page communiqu=E9 issued by a team of technical experts who deliberated on EOCOWAS Sports Policy and Strategic Plan of Action after a four day meeting in Accra. Member states have also been advised to find ways of promoting indigenous sports and games in the region to raise them to acceptable standards.

The communiqu=E9 also called on member states to take concrete steps towards the ratification of international conventions on sports development by instituting relevant legislations. It also called for the participation of women, men and youth in sports to as well make adequate provisions for persons with special needs in sports and other related activities.

The communiqu=E9 also called on member states to use sports as catalysts for socio economic development for the achievements of eight targets of the Millennium Development Goals.

It added that member states must formulate national sports policies, promote the creation of West Africa Unions that will bring together national sports associations in all sporting disciplines. Member states have also been tasked to encourage sports research, especially in the area of sports food health as well as ratifying the UNESCO Convention on Doping.

Nii Nortey Dua, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in his closing remarks of the end of the four day meeting, said he was happy that the communiqu=E9 contains strong, pragmatic and compelling statements built around a clear vision and comprehensive mission. He, however, noted that the communiqu=E9 will not be used for decorative purposes on the shelves of the ECOWAS library but be implemented to the letter.

"It is only when the policies are implemented that we as experts and politicians can feel justifiably satisfied that we have laid a firm foundation for the realization of ECOWAS Sports Policy, which is the use of sports as a vehicle for human development, peaceful coexistence and regional integration". Nii Dua stated.