?Hitter? Clottey Rocks NY Picnic

New York -- The mother of all picnics, the New York picnic, has shown its mettle once again on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the beautiful Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut. An overall success, judging from comments from participants to the NCOGA office, organizers of this year?s picnic, family Day, Health and Educational Expo were proud to agree that the picnic was a great success and a window through which to showcase the diverse Ghanaian cultures, and the collective harmony that is characteristic of Ghana. The cultural extravaganza was climaxed by Okyerema Asante?s artistic one man drumming; quite an extraordinary performance.

This year?s picnic featured an exposition on sports, culture, health and education. There were various competitive activities such as volleyball, tug of war, and soccer. Various State Universities and institutions of higher learning were on hand to provide admission and financial aid information. Doctors on the Hudson and Ghanaian Nurses Association were also on hand to provide free health screening to all.

The change of venue to the Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut drew a larger crowd with diverse group of people from all walks of life than last year. A crew of Adepa Radio was on hand to cover the celebrations live.

Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, the permanent representative to the UN and Joesph Ngminebayihi, the Deputy Consul General of New York, Dr. Anukware Ketowusugbo, Dr. Benjamin Dodoo, Awadada Togbe Awusi II of Anlo State and other dignitaries were there to grace the occasion.

The UVA cultural troupe and the Kpalongo group led by Zeek wowed attendees with their non stop drumming throughout the day. The arrival of the boxing champion to the park created pandemonium which led to his being carried around the park amid singing and drumming.

NCOGA would like to thank the following sponsors for their support for this year?s picnic: Delta, Western Union, Moneygram, Vigo and Akwaaba Travel Insurance. Additional sponsors are Ambassadorway Travel, Prestige Travel, International Travel Exchange (ITE), Trinity Travel, Pepsi Cola, Dr. Benjamin Dodoo, Dr. Samuel Mensah (Okyiman Clinic), Lincoln Grill, Comet Properties, Versailes Catering, Inc, Samari Shipping, J.K. Akpalu Law Firm, Dr. Yao Kaledzi (Horizon Medical Center), Sandy EB Associates, Universal trucking and Shipping, and Giftanco Enterprises (Queens).

A big kudos to this year?s organizers for a job job well done!!!