13th African Games; President Akufo-Addo Writes
These Games did not only bring together the best athletes from our continent, but also highlighted the true meaning of African diversity, unity and common purpose of promoting our continent. The high-level of performances, the display of sportsmanship and competitiveness, which resulted in many athletes setting new personal bests, national records and games records, will, no doubt, inspire up and coming athletes to aim even higher and attain greater standards.
We appreciate the collaboration and support of the African Union Commission, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, the African Union Sports Council, the Local Organising Committee, and other key stakeholders, in ensuring that the 13th African Games truly showcased the unique experiences, cultures and aspirations of the African peoples to the rest of the world. And we appreciate, above all, the enthusiastic support of thousands of Ghanaians at all the venues for the Games.
I am particularly delighted, that despite all the challenges that confronted us, Ghana was able to provide world class sporting facilities for the Games. The edifice in Borteyman, the magnificent Legon Sports Stadium, the beautiful Rugby Pitch, the refurbished Theodosia Okoh Hockey Pitch, the Bukom Boxing Emporium, the rehabilitated Cricket Oval, as well as other facilities provided for the Games, underscore Ghana’s commitment to the development of sports in our country.
I assure my fellow Ghanaians that these facilities will be well maintained, and will serve as appropriate venues for training future champions, and for hosting international sporting tournaments and competitions. Indeed, the facilities will act as the nucleus for the soon-to-be-established University of Sports for Development, and will also be the venues for the holding of the Ghana National Games, i.e. the annual national sports festival, where winners from the district and regional levels will meet to compete for top honours.
