Dunk receives funds to sustain good works for underprivileged kids

The 2017 Melbourne Cup Ball has raised a record GHC130,000 for the Ghanaian NGO, DUNK Grassroots (Developing Unity, Nurturing Knowledge).

A statement issued by the Australian High Commission, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, said DUNK grassroots, supported by the Australian High Commission since 2014, ‘provides a safe space for at-risk children, adolescents and young women in Nima and Jamestown to play, learn, and grow through sports, after-school support, life-skills, and vocational training.’

Special patrons of the Ball, Geodrill, CEO Dave Harper and Ghanaian legends Azumah Nelson and Kojo Antwi, accompanied the Australian High Commissioner, Andrew Barnes and his team to present a cheque for the money raised to Mohammed Tahir, DUNK Grassroots’ co-founder, and his team.

“Mr Tahir launched DUNK in 2010 with small basketball coaching sessions for children in his Nima community. This quickly grew and DUNK now offers activities and support in five-year cycles to over 250 youths,” said the statement.

The proceeds raised at last year’s 2017 Melbourne Cup Ball would be used to upgrade facilities at DUNK’s Jamestown site, including a new surface for the basketball, handball cum volleyball court, repairs to the perimeter wall and a new playground and change room facilities.

“The Australian High Commission thanks our generous Melbourne Cup Ball sponsors (platinum sponsors –Geodrill, Emirates, Labadi Beach Hotel, M?venpick; and gold sponsors - Accra Brewery Limited, African Regent Hotel, African Underground Mining Services, Don Emilio, Koala, Kempinski Hotel, Newmont, Puma Energy) and guests for helping local NGOs like DUNK to make a genuine difference in their communities,” the statement said.

The annual Melbourne Cup Charity Ball is a highlight of the Accra social calendar with cocktails, dinner, hotly-contested snail and horse races, and dancing-‘til-the-wee-hours at the Residence of the Australian High Commissioner.