Soccer News of Friday, 29 November 2013

Source: Daily Guide

Amputee football needs help

Chairman of the Ghana Amputee Football Association Rev. Richard Nii Amartey Adesah and the national team, Black Challenge are appealing for financial support from the corporate world, government and individuals.

The appeal for $58,775.00 is geared towards financing the team’s preparation for the 4th Cup of African Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF 2013) scheduled for Nairobi Kenya from December 5 to 11.

Ghana risks missing the next World Cup of Amputee Football scheduled for Mexico in 2014 should they fail to participate in the Kenya championship.

In a hurriedly arranged press conference at the Media Centre of the Accra Stadium yesterday, Rev. Amartey pointed out, “We have called you again to address an urgent situation at hand, a situation that has the potential of affecting not only the image of Ghana but the country’s participation in any future international amputee football event.”

He added, “We need about $58,775.00 to make it to Kenya and ¢16,589 for camping. This excludes bonuses and other motivational packages. With a few days to fly out, we are yet to get any assurance of funding for the trip.

“We wish to appeal to President John Mahama to look down with pity upon us and come to our rescue at this crucial moment to save our boat from sinking. Disability sports are not just about fun but a means of rehabilitation and healing from trauma and a wrong mentality.”

He bemoaned the practice last-minute support from government to participate in such events.

Ghana prides itself as the first African champion and has five professional players plying their trade in Turkey, the first by any country in the world.