GOC bags 65,000 dollars towards Olympic campaign

Accra, April 24, GNA - The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has succeeded in mobilizing almost 65,000 dollars for the nation's Olympic team's campaign at the impending Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Sources of the fund include 35,000 dollars sponsorship deal from the Coca Cola Bottling Company Limited, 25,000 dollars from Unique Stars Foods Company Limited (Vega Foods) and 5,000 GHC from Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL). The GOC on Thursday received cheques from the three organizations at a press conference in Accra.

Mr Benson Tongo Baba, President of the GOC said at the press conference that six boxers and 14 athletes have qualified to participate in the Olympic Games, with another batch of ten also scheduled to participate in the Paralympic a month later in Beijing. He said the funds so far received will be used to cover expenses on pre-games training, kitting, air fare, medical care and other logistical needs, which he noted the government alone cannot afford from its meager resources.

Mr Baba said the GOC is expecting more funds from the corporate bodies to enable them give adequate support to the national Olympic team, in a bid to boost their performance at the Games. He announced that apart from the Olympic Games, Ghana will participate in other international events such as, 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Delhi India, 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, and the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Mr Baba noted that the nation cannot participate in the Games without the support of the corporate world, hence the need for them to factor into their budget such sporting activities for mutual support of all.

Mr Isaac Cudjoe, Head of Public Affairs and Communications of Coca Cola Bottling Ghana Limited said his outfit will support the GOC with its products towards all activities aimed at whetting the appetite of Ghanaians before the Games. He said the company will also support all media related events of the GOC as well as the annual Olympic Day Run at Takoradi.