Soccer News of Monday, 12 May 2003
Source: Graphic
Kumasi To Name 29 Areas After Heros
Authorities of the National Sports Council in Kumasi have identified 29 areas at the Kumasi sports Stadium that would be named after past and present sports personalities in the country in honour of their meritorious achievements for Ghana.
Areas that have been identified include the stands at the stadium, selected gates, car parks, important structures and dressing rooms.
Mr Eric Nkansah Dwamena, the Estate Officer of the Kumasi Sports Stadium, who briefed the Graphic Sports on the new initiative said the effort is in line with the directives given by Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports to the effect that “certain areas of all sports stadia in the country should be named after such personalities in honour of their past and present achievements”.
According to Mr Baah-Wiredu, “such an honour would not only immortalise the names of those who achieved such feats, but would also motivate the present sports personalities to be more committed, dedicated and devoted to the development of sports in the country”.
Mr Nkansah Dwamena pointed out that a committee had been set up to come out with those who merit such an honour, stressing that the committee would soon present its report for action to be taken.
He mentioned past and present sports personalities in soccer, athletics, boxing, tennis and volleyball, among others, as those who would be honoured.
He said another directive by Mr Baah Wiredu that is being pursued is the fixing of seats at all the stands at the Kumasi Sports Stadium to enable a correct estimate of the seating capacity of the Kumasi Sports Stadium to be made.
He explained that there are about 8000 plastic seats lying idle at the PWD in Kumasi.
He said so far the PWD who were the original contractors for the fixing of the seats have been contacted to provide an estimated account on the project for funds to be sourced to fix the seats as soon as practicable.
According to Mr Nkansah Dwamena, the seating capacity of the Kumasi Stadium has generated a lot of controversy among sports administrators, fans and sports personalities and expressed the hope that by fixing the seats, the myth surrounding the seating capacity would be a thing of the past.
He said another area being tackled is the roofing of the VIP stand that was ripped off by a severe rainstorm some time ago.
He said the consultant, AESC, has already been contacted to provide the estimates for funds to be sourced to ensure that the project begins on time.
On the Museum and Library that are to be constructed to serve as a tourist and research centres for the past sports heroes, Mr Nkansah Dwamena pointed out that the NSC has started contacting some of the past sports personalities or their close family members, friends and relatives with the view of collecting their artefacts for preservation in the museum when it is constructed.
He said profiles of the sports personalities would also be written to enable those who visit the soon-to-be constructed library to know more about them.
The Estate officer disclosed that under construction is the tennis court that was initiated by the former Sports Minister, Mr Edward Osei Kwaku.
Mr Nkansah Dwamena said so far the tennis court is about 98 per cent complete and would soon be fenced to provide training and playing ground for tennis players in Kumasi and its environs.
He said prior to the fencing, the stand would also be constructed to provide a congenial atmosphere for tennis fans.
He said the tennis court is the first phase of about three tennis courts that are to be constructed at the Kumasi Sports Stadium.
Mr Nkansah Dwamena said apart from these, the NSC is also putting measures in place to construct a hostel at the Kumasi Sports Stadium as directed by Mr Baah-Wiredu.
He said the NSC is contacting a number of private land developers who would be interested in the project and when that fails, the government would be notified to provide funds for the project.
The Estate officer said when completed the hostel would serve as accommodation for sports personalities who visit the Kumasi Sports Stadium to feature in important tournaments.
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