GOC launches Ghana's Olympic campaign

Accra, Oct 25, GNA - Mr Benson T. Baba, President of Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has observed that the nation's dream of plucking her first gold medal at the Olympic Games would prove elusive until all join forces to derive that quest.

He said it behoves on all Ghanaians to piece resources together to ensure "Team Ghana" excels at the next competition slated for the Chinese capital, Beijing in 2008.

The GOC has therefore initiated a sponsorship drive aimed at raising adequate funds to cater for the contingent and the President of the GOC believes contributing exceedingly to that course is the way to live up to the "Think Ghana, Dream Gold" slogan of the nation. Mr Baba said the Committee's desire is to amass enough funds to shoulder all responsibilities of "Team Ghana", from preparations and through to the quadrennial event to ensure the country grabs at most a gold medal at the event.

"Our aim is to take up the entire budget of the contingent or offload a massive part to ensure that what ever government will have to shoulder will be reasonable."

Mr Baba proposed a lengthy training tour and camping outside the country for the contingent ahead of the event.

"We are already rich mentally and in strength and I'm convinced exposure is about all the contingent will need to rub shoulders at the highest level and ensure that Ghana's anthem is sung on the podium when we finally pick that much awaited gold". The Games runs from August 8-25, 2008. The President announced that Stanbic Bank has expressed its desire to be the headline sponsors for Ghana's campaign for the Beijing Games. Bahmed Travel and Tours is also to support the drive with 30 thousand dollars.