by Silas Boahene | Feb 24, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
On Friday, family, friends, and the athletics community bid a final farewell to Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan marathon world record holder who tragically lost his life in a car crash last Sunday.
Mourners gathered at Chepkoriro Show Ground to pay their respects, forming queues to pass by Kiptum’s casket and sign a memorial book. The funeral service was a poignant moment for those who knew and admired the promising athlete.
Faith Kipyegon, the current world record holder for the 1500 meters, shared her memories of Kiptum, expressing the deep impact of his sudden departure. She recalled their meeting in Monaco and the joy they shared, emphasizing the void his absence has left in her heart.
Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives in a tragic crash near Kaptagat in western Kenya, a region renowned as a high-altitude training base for elite distance runners. Kiptum’s untimely death comes after he broke the world record in only his third appearance in an elite marathon, a remarkable achievement recognized by World Athletics just last week.
Catherine Ndereva, a former marathoner, expressed the profound loss, noting that although Kiptum won’t physically be present at future events, he will forever be remembered in their hearts.
Kenyan President William Ruto and Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federation, were present at the funeral service to pay their respects.
The final resting place for the men’s marathon world record holder is his farm in Naiberi, approximately 20km from Eldoret. The athletics world mourns the loss of a promising talent and pays tribute to Kelvin Kiptum’s contributions to the sport.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 24, 2024 | Africa, Boxing
Twinstars Boxing Promotions, a new entrant to the boxing promotions scene, has unveiled its ambitious vision to extend the reach of the sport from Kasoa, Ghana, to communities across the country, Africa, and the world.
During a press briefing on February 23, 2024, Naana Lavia Opoku-Agyeman, the General Manager of Twinstars Group, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering a thriving boxing community in Kasoa and beyond. The upcoming bout scheduled for March 30th, 2024, stands as a testament to Twinstars Boxing Promotions’ dedication to advancing the sport while honoring Kasoa’s rich boxing tradition.
Opoku-Agyeman expressed the organization’s commitment to collaboration with stakeholders, including the Ghana Boxing Association (GBA), and its aspiration to extend its influence beyond Kasoa. While seeking partnerships and sponsorships, she outlined Twinstars’ commitment to spreading its impact to other African countries, all while keeping its roots firmly anchored in Kasoa.
“We are resolute in our commitment to spreading the spirit of Twinstars Boxing Promotions to other African countries, forging partnerships, and opening doors for aspiring athletes across the continent. But let me be clear: while we aim to expand our reach, our roots will always remain firmly planted in Kasoa, where our journey began,” she affirmed.
Opoku-Agyeman called for collaborative efforts, partnerships, and sponsorships to fuel the mission of Twinstars Boxing Promotions and amplify its impact, stating, “Together, we can build a future where boxing thrives, where athletes are empowered, and where communities are uplifted.”
Twinstars, founded by passionate boxing enthusiast Ahmed Davis, aims to become a driving force in the Ghanaian boxing community. Known for excellence and innovation, the organization focuses on talent development and community engagement. The landmark event on March 30th, 2024, featuring notable boxers, symbolizes Twinstars’ dedication to creating a sustainable future for boxing while empowering athletes and communities across the continent.
CEO Ahmed Nureni-Davis, a former boxer, highlighted the affordable gate fees for the upcoming bout and revealed the potential in the local boxing community to reach international status. He promised an entertaining event with popular artists adding to the excitement.
Notable figures present at the ceremony included Mr. Michael Tetteh, deputy director of promotions at the GBA, veteran boxing official J.A. Annan, Oblitei Commey, deputy technical director, matchmaker Mubarak Nanor, and the deputy PRO of the GBA.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 24, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Ghana, Other Sports, Soccer
The Vice Chancellor of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art sports complex, providing students with a modern multipurpose facility dedicated to various sports.
The commissioning by the Vice Chancellor signals the facility’s preparedness to host a range of sports activities for interested students. The sports complex is designed to accommodate seven competitive sports, including hockey, handball, basketball, volleyball, and football.
One of the standout features of the GTUC sports complex is its 220-seat capacity, complete with washroom facilities for the convenience of users.
During the inauguration ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa expressed confidence in the facility’s ability to energize students and serve as a catalyst for enhancing the overall quality of life, particularly for the youth.
“We are committed to ensuring we position sports as a vehicle for economic growth and also develop the talent in the university,” he affirmed.
The commissioning of this ultramodern sports complex reflects the university’s dedication to fostering a vibrant sporting culture and providing students with top-notch facilities to nurture their athletic talents.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 24, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Other Sports, Soccer
In preparation for Ghana’s inaugural hosting of the 13th African Games, Samson Deen, a prominent figure in Sports Tourism, emphasized the pivotal role of the Transport Sub-Committee within the Local Organising Committee (LOC). Mr. Deen stressed the significant impact of an efficient transport system on the overall success of the multi-sport event.
As the CEO of African Origin Travel and Tours, Deen underlined the importance of ensuring swift and seamless transportation for athletes and officials, emphasizing the timely arrival at competition venues and the Games Village. Describing the transport committee as the “heartbeat” of the Games, he urged everyone involved to prioritize punctuality and efficiency.
“We are the heartbeat of the Games, concerning all movements, and we should ensure that everything is done on time,” he expressed.
Deen called on the cooperation of Ghanaians to facilitate traffic-free routes during the Games, suggesting that those with no essential business in town could park and enjoy the events on GTV. He encouraged public support for the LOC, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure a memorable event.
Expressing gratitude, Mr. Samson Deen, who also serves as the President of the African Paralympic and Ghana Paralympic Committees, acknowledged the media’s role in promoting the 13th African Games and attracting sponsorship.
He took a moment to commend President Nana Akufo-Addo for allocating funds for the construction of infrastructure at Borteyman and Legon, crucial for hosting international championships.
Scheduled to take place from March 8 to 23, 2024, the 13th African Games will feature 30 disciplines at 10 venues, with over 5,000 athletes and coaches representing 50 countries vying for prestigious medals and honor.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 24, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
Renowned Ghanaian sprinter, Benjamin Azamati, has officially affirmed his presence at the upcoming African Games scheduled for March.
At 26 years old, Azamati, who holds Ghana’s record in the 100m, is poised to make a highly anticipated comeback to the track after missing out on the 2023 World Championships due to injury.
The former University of Ghana sprinter is gearing up to join forces with the national 200m record holder, Joseph Paul Amoah, and two other teammates, aiming to defend their 4x100m title clinched five years ago in Rabat.
Expressing his excitement, Azamati stated, “I am thrilled to announce my representation of Ghana at the African Games 2023, right here in Accra.”
“This serves as a rallying call for all of us to come out in full force and lend our support to Team Ghana,” he enthusiastically added.
