An Assistant Registrar of the University of Ghana has indicated that the Sports Directorate of the University is making sturdy strides to inculcate some initiatives that will see UG athletes aspiring for professionalism.
She indicated that with the support of the Vice Chancellor, the Sports Directorate will roll out an athlete development programme which will enable student athletes to go through special mentorship and leadership programme to improve their sporting performances by training abroad and participating at international tournaments.
This was disclosed when the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ernest Ayettey, welcomed the University of Ghana (UG) Cross Country and Debate Team to a reception on Friday, 19th November, 2014, to celebrate UG’s victory in the 19th Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Cross Country Competition and the maiden edition of the Ghana Universities Debate Association (GUDA) Championship.
The reception was graced by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (ASA), Prof. Samuel Offei, Pro-Vice Chancellor (ORID), Prof. John Owusu Gyapong and members of the UG Sports Advisory Board and Sports Directorate Management Committee.
As a starter, the Directorate will send exceptional Sprint Athletes to the Caribbean while the Long Distant athletes will be in either Ethiopia or Kenya for exposure and training purposes. The Directorate believes these initiatives will rejuvenate student athlete performances and development and also add up to the goodwill of University of Ghana and Ghana at large.
The Director of Sports, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, who oversaw proceedings of the august reception, mentioned that, his administration will not rest on recent laurels and achievements but will continue striving to bring out very innovative, creative and sustainable programmes and projects in sports and recreational activities on campus. He was grateful and appreciative of the support given to him by management, colleague staff, Administrative Directorates, Academic Units and Hall management among others. He therefore, hopes the synergy will continue for the years to come.
Wrapping up the event, the General Sports Secretary of the University of Ghana, Akuka Williams thanked the Vice Chancellor, Director of Sports and the entire staff of the Sports Directorate for the unflinching support and care given to all athletes. He urged the Sports Directorate to continue supporting athletes because athletes will always give back to where they belong.
