Olympic Team in shock over the death of Mills

Morale in the camp of Team Ghana at the London Olympic Games has sunk to an all time low following the passing away of President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday, 24th July, 2012.

The Ghana contingent was just about finishing their first team talk, as well as the distribution of kits and ceremonial wear when rumour started circulating about the sad incident.

But it was not until official confirmation came from key government sources that it dawned on all that the news was true and that indeed the President was no more.

Some officials could be seen moving in and out of the team Ghana office space at the ground floor of the H Block at the Games village, to either respond to queries from friends and associates on phone or just by an act of despair. Others sat pensively, and wondered if this was another hoax.

Meanwhile, in an interview with www.liquidsportsghana.com, the Chef De Mission of the Ghana delegation, Nii Adote Din Barima I, expressed shock at the development.

When asked how he received the news, he said, “Initially it was shock. We were having a team talk when I first received the news.”

“I thought it was just one of those reports again because quite recently we heard another rumour like that. But eventually I realised that the news was true and so my mood now changed into a moment of reflection. The whole team was really shattered after the news.”

Nii, who knew the late President for the past 30 years added, “i knew Prof Mills from the University of Ghana, Legon. He was a very calm man but one thing many people don’t know about him is that he has a Steele character. He was not a soft man.”

“I have had a lot of respect for him since my days at Legon and he never did anything to dent that respect. If anything, that respect has grown several folds. May his sole rest in peace.”

Several officials and athletes shared the thoughts of the Chef De Mission. Long jumper Ignisious Gaisah is hoping to honour the late President at the Olympic Games, in his own special way.

“In the beginning, it was very sad. But then, it has happened and there is nothing we can do.”

“We have to brace ourselves and do our very best at the Olympics to honour his name.”