Ghanaian sprinter Benjamin Azamati is set to organize the third edition of the Ghana Junior Olympics, an event dedicated to identifying and nurturing young athletic talent.

The competition will take place on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the University of Ghana Stadium. Speaking in an interview with TV3, Azamati shared that his inspiration for creating the event came from his personal struggles as a young athlete.

“I got this idea when I went to the US and saw how kids are introduced to athletics at an early age. By the time they are 18, many are already in the spotlight. We thought it would be wise to replicate that here in Ghana, and that’s how the Ghana Junior Olympics was born,” he explained.

Azamati emphasized the need to create better opportunities for Ghanaian youth, ensuring they avoid the challenges he faced in his career.

Currently, the event is being funded by Azamati himself, with support from his coach, fellow athletes in the US, and a few other individuals. He appealed to corporate organizations in Ghana to help sustain the initiative.

“For now, everything is from me, my coach, and some individuals. Athletes in the US are also contributing. This year, we expect about 2,000 participants, with a special focus on kids, including toddlers who will have the chance to race,” he added.

Benjamin Azamati first gained global recognition at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco, where he won gold in the 100 meters with an impressive time of 9.97 seconds.

He also competed in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, qualifying through the official world rankings and finishing 39th globally in the 100 meters. Azamati represented Ghana in both the individual 100m event and the 4x100m relay, marking his second consecutive Olympic appearance.

Through the Ghana Junior Olympics, Azamati aims to inspire young athletes in Ghana and across Africa to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.