Accra, Oct. 7, GNA - The Ghana Rugby Association (GRA) on Friday launched a fund-raising exercise aimed at generating funds to support the development and promotion of the sport in the country.

The exercise dubbed 93Rally for Rugby", which is in collaboration w= ith Kingdom Support Services, a marketing company, is geared towards seeking th= e indulgence of individuals and corporate bodies in an attempt to actualize the two-year strategic plan of the Association.

Ms Gifty Annan-Myers, President of the GRA at the launch of the event in Accra on Friday, said the exercise expected to be an annual event will b= e carried out in a two-month period from October to December 2011. She said the plan would mark the turning point of Rugby in the country to an era where capable technical men are developed as well as upgrading of officials and public awareness to make the sport make a mark in the country= .. Ms Annan-Myers said the exercise would seek to popularize the sport across the country and have at least 10 teams playing in well organized leagues.

The GRA President explained that her outfit will auction autographed souvenirs including jerseys, rugby balls and other paraphernalia at programmes in their quest to meet their target. She appealed to individuals and corporate bodies to respond favourably to the cause of the sport when approached to assist. Worlanyo Agra, Director General of the National Sports Authority pledged his outfit's support to the promotion and development of Rugby across the country.

He commended the chairperson of the GRA for her activeness in the affairs of the Association. The launch was sponsored by Accra Brewery Limited whilst auditing firm= , KPMG has been mandated to audit the fund raising exercise.