Nestle Ghana Limited on Friday launched the Under-13 Milo Championship in Accra.

The juvenile tournament is targeted at unearthing talents across the country, especially from primary schools in the rural areas.

It is also aimed at promoting key values and practices relating to nutrition, health and wellness amongst the young people.

In an address, the Managing Director of Nestle Ghana Limited, Moatez El Hout, disclosed that winner of the National Championship would travel to Kenya to represent the nation in the African Championship.

According to him, the eventual winners would be trained by seasoned trainers and sports personalities before leaving for Kenya, host of the second edition of the African Championship.

He added that his outfit has demonstrated over the years that it would continue to support grassroot development of sports across Africa.

“…Talking about the support for the President’s Independence Day Awards, the Accra Milo Marathon, the Junior Basketball competition in schools,” Mr El Hout added.

Former Captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah, who has been selected by the organisers as this year’s tournament icon, in a remark cautioned participating teams to abide by the rules of the game to ensure a successful tournament.

He advised: “…My junior brothers who will be partaking in this tournament, there is the need for you to know that the game is transforming and there is no way you can break the barriers of modern football if you don’t aspire to get some appreciable level of education”.

According to Appiah, for a team to be successful, it must do well to play fairly according to the spirit and rules of the game, and stay calm under difficult conditions.

He stressed: “As a former professional footballer I do have a responsibility to be a good role model and a mentor for this generation and many more generations to come”.

The former Juventus and Fenarbache playmaker thanked Nestle Ghana for the honor done him and pledged to ensure a successful tournament.

Mr Femi Akintola, Beverages Manager for Nestle Ghana, said his outfit through its Milo brand would continue to invest more in sports to “stimulate the dreams” of the young people I the country.

He mentioned that winners of the tournament would be joined by teams from countries, including Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria and Sierra Leone to battle for the ultimate in Nairobi.

On his part, President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyanatakyi, seized the occasion to thank the orgainsers for their immense contribution to sports development in the country over the years.

“Through the Milo Under-13 tournament, Ghana can boost of Sulley Muntari, Majeed Waris, Laryea Kingson and a host of others,” Mr Nyantakyi added.

He said his outfit would continue to offer unflinching support to the Milo Under-13 tournament to ensure the successful discovery of the myriad talents particularly in the rural areas.

This year’s championship would commence on 19th to 21st February, 2014 in the Ashanti region on the Paa Joe Park. The African Champions also comes off in April in Kenya.