The third edition of Ghana’s Fastest Human has been launched by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed with Surfline as the major sponsor.
The seven year programe which is to identify sprint talents in Ghana and groom them for international competition was initiated by former international athlete, Reks Brobby who was at one time one of the fastest men in Ghana and Africa.
According to Reks Brobby, Ghana is blessed to produce sprint champions, just like the Kenyans and Ethiopians who are blessed to be long distance runners.
He noted that young athletes must be encouraged and motivated by their parents and teachers to take to athletics and run for fame and fortune.
Speaking at the launch of the 2015 edition held at the Accra Sports Stadium Hall, he recollected some of Ghana’s wonderful champions like Mike Ahey, Alice Anum, Hannah Afriyie and Ohene Karikari who run and made big news in the past.
According to Brobby, it takes consistency, transparency, accountability and networking to be able organize such programmes for the youth and get them involved with passion.
He said the previous editions were successful and hoped that the next edition would be better organized and produce quality winners.
The Minister of Youth & Sports, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed who launched the event on behalf of the Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur commended the organisers and sponsors as well as those who will take part.
He noted that Ghana has very good sprinters who can rub shoulders with the best in the world, and they must be supported to stay on the tracks and win laurels for the nation.
Mr. Edwin Amoako of Surfline noted that there is a big and bright future for Ghana athletics that is why they have come on board to support the event.
He said Athletics can be popular if the media report more on the discipline, just like Football which has gained more roots.
Alex Mould, Chief Executive of GNPC, who are also sponsors said healthy minds work in healthy bodies and sports is big business, so companies must support the athletes to give off their best for the nation.
He expressed that GNPC recognizes sports for national development and with Ghana’s rich history in Athletics, companies must support to restore the national glory.
The Heats of the event comes off at the El Wak Stadium in Accra on July 25 and Kumasi Stadium on August 22, before the Final of Finals at Kumasi on September 12, with medals and special prizes at stake.
According to Reks Brobby, students are encouraged to take part and win for themselves and their schools. The first prize consists of Two thousand Ghana Cedis (2,000ghc) for the winner and One thousand Cedis (1,000ghc) for the contestant’s physical education instructor and One thousand Cedis (1,000ghc) for the winning contestant’s school, PE Department. There are other prizes for the second and third placed.
The sponsors of the event include GNPC, Pippas Gym, Indomie, Moringa King, First Atlantic Bank and Wrenco. ETV and Happy FM reported the launch live on their media networks.