Six International Federations (IFs) have been recommended for full International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition by the Executive Board, including the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) and World Lacrosse.

The World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO), International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), International Federation Icestocksport and International Cheer Union have also been put forward for full recognition.

The IOC Session in Tokyo in July will decide whether or not to grant the IFs full recognition.

All six already had provisional recognition.

Sambo, lacrosse and kickboxing were all granted provisional IOC recognition for a period of three years in 2018.

The FIAS, World Lacrosse and WAKO now appear likely to gain permanent reignition as that expires.

Icestocksport, which is some ways resembles curling and was a demonstration sport at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer in Norway, was granted provisional recognition the same year.

The IFMA and International Cheerleading Union have held provisionally recognition since 2016.

Being recommended for full-time recognition means that the IOC Executive Board believes that the IFs' statutes and activities are in accordance with the Olympic Charter, and that they have implemented both the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions.

At least 50 National Federations must be affiliated - for summer IFs - and 25 for winter IFs, from at least three continents, for them to be considered for permanent IOC recognition.

There were no objections from the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations or the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations to the recommendations for full recognition, the IOC added.

Should the six be approved, only one IF would be left with provisional IOC recognition - the International Federation of American Football.

By Ali Iveson 

The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) organized a working session on Greening TVET at the Tomreik Hotel in Accra.

The workshop brought together 40 heads of Technical and Vocational Institutes (TVIs) to discuss the challenges and opportunities in practising Greening in TVET Institutions, to enable them develop Institutional Greening Plans (IGP).

In his opening remarks, the Ag. Director General of CTVET Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, underscored the importance of strengthening the awareness and knowledge on greening to prepare learners for the emerging jobs and new opportunities that transitioning to a green economy will create.

We need to train and equip these learners, our future labour force, to accept greening philosophies to change their thinking and mindset,” he added.

He charged the participants to be change agents and champion the path to “transforming the learning/training environments in their schools and the society at large, by developing and implementing effective green strategies.”

The Coordinating Lead for the Planning, Project, Research Monitoring and Evaluation (PPRME) Directorate of CTVET Mr. Samuel Thompson, in his presentation said, “there are various things we do that affect the environment negatively and these have consequences on future generations. Almost every sector has been affected by these negative practices and all the solutions to these negative practices are found in the TVET sector."

President of the Association of Principals of Technical Institutions (APTI) Mr Benjamin Adjabeng expressed satisfaction at the insights gleaned from the workshop.

“In our next meeting, we will come out with a policy that will improve upon tree planting, check erosion and encourage recycling in the schools,” he added.

The workshop delved into green concepts, potential green job areas, SDGs and Greening TVET; how to green the campus, curriculum and training and research, among others.

BACKGROUND

Greening TVET for environmental sustainability is one of the major pillars under the 5-year Strategic Plan for #TVET Transformation.

From Gabby Amoakoh

The First Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Dr. Henry Manly-Spain has filed his nomination to lead the Authority.

The business man cum politician submitted his completed nomination form to the GBA which was received by its Secretary General Mr. Patrick Johnson at the GBA Secretariat on Thursday.

He was accompanied by head trainer of the Bronx Boxing Club and Ag. Technical director of the GBA Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko.

Mr. Johnson checked the completed form and received an amount of GHC3,000 cash  paid by Dr. Manly-Spain to complete the filing process.

"I have checked all the documents and it is complete, I wish you all the best in the elections” Mr. Johnson said.

Dr. Manly-Spain who is running for the top position of the GBA was the first to pick his nomination forms. The elections will come off at the Trust Sports Emporium - Mudor Conference Hall on July 22.

He has received massive endorsements from boxing fans, coaches, promoters and boxers including Michael Ayitey Powers who said “He's going to win in Jesus Christ mighty name.”

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ace Power Promotions will hold a press conference on the up coming WBO Africa bout dubbed ‘THE WAR ZONE’ involving Ghana based Nigerian boxer Wahab ‘The Wealth Machine’ Oluwasuen on July 10th,2021

The conference comes off on Monday, June 14, 2021 at at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

According to ace boxing writer, Prince Dornu who is a spokesperson for the promoter, there would be the 10 rounds WBO Africa Super Featherweight Title bout between Joshua Oluwaseun (ID# 694389)  and Anthony Moloisane (ID# 736940) as the main attraction.

Robert Quaye (ID# 662334) will face Richard Amenfu (ID# 5872260 in a 10 rounds Super Lightweight Contest.

Daniel Aduku (ID# 379898) will meet Benjamin Ankrah (ID# 065470) in another 10 rounds Super Welterweight Contest.

Holy Dorgbetor (ID# 889887) will take on Mustapha Appiah (ID# 155991) over 10 rounds in a Featherweight Contest.

Mohammed Fuseini (ID# 907817) will take on TBA (ID#)12 for the National Super Flyweight Title Contest.

Ahmed Abdula (ID# 984096) will square up with David Okine (ID# 579344) over 6 rounds in a Light Heavyweight Contest.

Dodzi Kemeh (ID# 569267)  will fight Naimou Aziz Samson (ID# 871397) over 8 rounds in a Super Welterweight Contest.

Abraham Afful (ID# 549518) takes on TBA/ (ID#) in an 8 rounds Super Welterweight Contest.

Emmanuel Baidoo (Debut) will also meet Moses Lartey (ID# 640924) in another 8 rounds Super Welterweight Contest.

Samuel Martei Laryea will have his debut against Billy Quaye (ID# 545408) over 8 rounds in a Super Bantamweight Contest.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Digital Marketing Manager of MTN Ghana, Mr. Wisdom Kwashie on Thursday announced that the top telecom company has extended the sponsorship of the MTN FA Cup competition to 2023, and clubs as well as players and fans will have more to cheer about.

Speaking at the balloting for the round of 32 for the ongoing competition, he noted that MTN Ghana is celebration 25 years and will continue to brighten lives.

Marketing Manager of Star Times, Mrs. Akofa Benson said her company is happy to be associated with the MTN FA Cup.

Chairman of the FA Cup Committee, Mr. Wilson Arthur disclosed that the finals of the competition will  come off on August 8, 2021.

The next set of matches will be played between 18^th and 21^st June.

Thirty-two (32) clubs have been drawn to battle for the round 16 of the competition with Ghana Premier league heavyweight Asante Kotoko drawn against lower tier side Thunderbolt FC.

Hearts of Oak will battle it out with Windy Professionals while Medeama Sporting Club face rivals Karela United.

Below is the full draw

Tamale City vs Techiman City

Kintampo Top Stars vs Kato Freedom Fighters

Paga Crocodiles vs Aduana FC

Steadfast FC vs Berekum Chelsea

Kintampo FC vs Sunyani Reformers

Thunderbolt vs Asante Kotoko

Asokwa Deportivo vs Skyy FC

Karela United vs Medeama SC

Elmina Sharks vs Venomous Vipers

Aboi Young Stars vs Ashantigold

Attram De Visser vs Okwahu United

Hearts of Oak vs Windy Professionals

Legon Cities vs Phar Rangers

Third World FC vs Tema Youth

Young Wise vs WAFA

Heart of Lions vs Great Olympics

By Sammy Heywood Okine

 The Bukom Fist of Fury Boxing programme, comprising juvenile, amateur and professional fight nights which was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic is coming back.

Event consultant, Lawyer Moses Foh Amoaning said the programme will return in a bang with mouth watering bouts.

Previous competitions have taken place at the Bukom Boxing Arena inside the Trust Sports Emporium and in communities like Osu, Shukura (Lords Wembley), Chorkor (Extra O), Mamprobi (Ojoo Park).

The former Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) president said they are happy to announce the start of the Fist of Fury in August 2021, after over a year of postponement due to Covid-19.

He expressed that the continuation of the Boxing League and Professional Fight Night will be exciting as the start was very tasty and appealing.

GNPC, ADB, Ghana Gas, Trust Sports Emporium and Goil  are the sponsors of the Bukom Fist of Fury Boxing League with involve all the boxing clubs in the .

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Women Sports Associations of Ghana (WOSPAG) will on June 24, 2021 organize a workshop on Ampe, a popular game played by females in West Africa.

Mrs. Joyce Mahama, president of WOSPAG said the workshop is to create awareness of the traditional sport which is played by many young girls in Ghana.

She hinted that the executive of WOSPAG want to lobby the organisers of the African Games in Ghana in 2023 to consider adding Ampe as a demonstration sport.

According to Mrs. Mahama, WOSPAG has over the years been campaigning for Ampe to be recognized as an international sport.

She said countries like Togo, Cote d’Voire, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Cameroun and Sierra Leone and Liberia play the game in different forms with different rules, but they have come up with a standard set of rules to govern Ampe internationally.

Mrs. Mahama also commended the Ghana Football Association GFA for involving more females in their activities and appointing Adjoa Bayor as coordinator od the female national teams.

“I have confidence in her as a deliverer, and she will do well, I thank the GFA for involving more women in the women’s game in Ghana” she said.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Gabriel Akakpo from Cape Coast Tennis club won the Tennis Foundation Ghana (TFG)/ ITF Junior qualifiers tournament by outwiting University of Cape Coast Tennis Club's Donald Abrokwah  6-3,6-2.

Gabriel Akakpo qualifies for the upcoming National Tournament, which is scheduled from 9th to 11th July 2021.

Speaking after the game, Gabriel said, "I am happy to win and represent my region at the National level. Coming into the tournament, my ultimate target was to win and happy i achieved that. Now my focus is to train for the main event."

Speaking on behalf of the Central Regional Tennis Association Chairman;Mr. George Frank Koufie Mrs. Effumwaa Adu-Opoku said, "We are really impressed with the performance exhibited by the young ones. The future looks bright.  We are going to groom these young ones, get a coach for them and build a strong team for the region."

She added that, "one of the problems we are facing in the region is lack of training balls and rackets and we hope Tennis Foundation Ghana will help us out. We want to thank the Tennis Foundation Ghana for such programs. We wish this will be annual, which will go a long way to help the region and the junior players."

Coaches present were coach Hayford Gyasi, coach Edward Nartey and coach Gerry Ekumah,

Story: Gabriel Amoakoh

… “Win Gold And Take Home $10,000”

President & CEO of Geodrill (Exploration Drillers in West & Central Africa) sub-regions Mr Dave Harper has on behalf of the Company pledged to pay a cedis equivalent of *US$10,000* (Ten Thousand Dollars) to any  Ghanaian athlete who wins a Gold Medal at the upcoming Tokyo2020 Olympics to be held in Japan,23rd July to August,23rd.

He made the promise when members of the Ghana National Boxing Team, Black Bombers paid a visit to his office at the Airport Residential Area in Accra to thank him for his support prior to the  Africa Olympics Boxing Qualifiers held in Dakar-Senegal, February,2020 and also brief him on  local preparations (non & residential) so far before they embark on a month pre-games tour on Monday 23rd June,2021 for acclimatization & psychological tune up in the Ishawashiro - Japan.

The main idea behind such audacious promise he opined  "Ghana is yet to win a Gold medal at the Olympics since it started participation in 1952,as a Gold exploring outfit, we aspires for Gold,so it will defeat our  ideals & mission to reward Silver and Bronze which Ghana won in the Rome 1960-Silver by Clement Ike Quartey and Eddie Blay Snr and Prince Amartey clinching the the other two bronze at 1964 and 1972 Tokyo also in Munich games respectively all coming from Boxing (Black Bombers) until football, Black Meteors (National U-23)  won Bronze in Barcelona,1992 games  taking Ghana's total medal haul to 4."

After hosting the Bombers and officials to a special lunch, Mr Harper donated an undisclosed amount of money, a book & CD on the life story of the great Samuel Azumah Nelson to each of the Bombers and officials present.The Team also received 50 pieces of specially branded GEODRILL Tokyo2020 Olympics Bombers T-shirts.

Present included - Mr George Lamptey, President GBF, JoJo Ephson - Communication Officer, Coaches Ofori Asare and his assistant Vicent Akai Nettey (Washington), the three Boxers qualified to represent Ghana at the upcoming games - Sulemanu Tetteh- Flyweight (Captain), Samuel Takyi - Featherweight and Shakul Samed - Light Heavyweight.

Also present was the young boxing prodigy  Prince Larbi, and his father Dan Larbie who is the trainer as well.

Credit: GBF MEDIA

The Greater Accra Amateur Boxing Association (GAABA) will organise a 2-day juvenile tournament dubbed "Books before Hooks" at the  Bukom Square on Friday 11, July 2021 and Saturday 12, July 2021,

The tourney is for juvenile and new amateur boxers between the ages of 8 and 16 years from various boxing gyms in the region to display their skill and talent.

The spokes person of the GAABA, Miss Sarah Lotus Asare said are on a positive path on putting Ghana back to its position in boxing with the recent activities undertaken by the Association.

She hinted that Mr. Stanley Toddison will hold a workshop on public speaking for the boxers, and three special awards will be given out for Best in Sportsmanship, Boxer of the Tournament and Best Participating Club.

Secretary of the Association, Mr. Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye also said the nation cannot produce good boxers without getting them on a sound foundation.

He expressed that “we can't develop these young boxers in the sport without giving them good education and that is why the tournament is named ‘Books before Hooks’.

"The Association want to groom future champions who are very good technically, academically and cultured, so this competition will feature young boxers who are in school" Ntiamoah-Boakye informed.

He encouraged the trainers from the various gyms to admit and train children who are in school only.

The Association has already held two events aimed at growing amateur boxing and getting boxers equipped for the sport.

On April 24, the Association held the ‘Girl Box’ event involving only female boxers at the forecourt of Ga Mashie Development Agency (GAMADA) to encourage girls to take up boxing to keep them away from teenage pregnancy and later on May 15 hosted a workshop to equip the boxers and coaches.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF) will also inaugurate the national juvenile and youth teams on Friday morning at the Accra Sports Stadium, and do some exhibition at the Bukom Square to support the GAABA programme.

By Sammy Heywood Okine