Americans Donate To Ghanaian Walkers

Walkers in the United States of America have donated 36 pairs of racewalking shoes to Ghanaian walkers preparing for the World Walking Cup in Italy between October 12-13 2002 and other international competitions.

The donation was through an appeal made by the VISCO WALKING CLUB’s foreign coach Mr. Dave McGovern, who was kind enough to place the request on his website.

Ms. Renay A. Mercer and his fellow US entourage accompanied the donation, which had some morale boosting messages attached some of which read, GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES, GOOD LUCK TO YOUR TEAM, DREAM BIG AND GO FOR THE GOLD and a great many others.

According to Ms. Mercer quite apart from the individual donors, two well-known race walking clubs namely Sierra Race Walkers and Marine Race Walkers domiciled in Northern California, also contributed to the donation.

Making the presentation at Cape Coast’s Savoy hotel on Wednesday, 14th August 2002, Ms. Mercer explained that the shoes vary in sizes and are comfortable for both men and women’s use in all kinds of weather.

She informed that yet another consignment will be arriving in the country soon, which is twice that which has arrived which will go some way to further complement the efforts of the Ghanaian walker.

Receiving the donation, Mr. Pele Dekowski manager of Savoy Hotel recieving the donation on behalf of the walkers thanked the donors and paid tribute to their continued support and exemplary benevolence.

Mr. Pele Dekowski said the shoes will be put to good use and informed that, two Nigerian walkers who have been slated to visit the country will benefit by it. Indeed this is the third time walkers in the United States have presented quantities of shoes to Ghanaians walkers.

Present at the ceremony was the national ace walker Vincent Asumang of the Ghana Fire Service and his team of VISCO WALKING CLUB walkers.

The value of the 36 pairs of the walking shoes has been pegged at $1,500 approximately ?12 million. The remaining 60 pairs to arrive soon has also been pegged at $ 3000 which is approximately ?24 million.

Over the years, other sponsors to the Ghanaian walkers’ cause have been Energizer, Parlays Biscuits, Cowbell, Biriwa Beach Hotel, LG Electronics, ALITALIA,Voltic and Savoy Hotel.It is hoped that more sponsors will help in the development of walking in Ghana.