Chief hails impact of Books and Boots communities project

The Chief of Apirede in the Eastern region of Ghana, Nana Saforo Okoampah III has described Books & Boots as an initiative that will have a huge impact in his town and across other communities in Ghana.

Nana Safro Kwampah III was the special Chief Patron at the end of year Christmas Books & Boots Festival in Apirede on Saturday.

"The idea of combining education with sports is not new to Ghana but what makes this event so unique is they way it involves everybody in the community without discrimination. I totally support and endorse Books & Boots and rest assured anytime you need my presence and support, you can count on it".

The event is an initiative of Oxigen in collaboration with a number of recreational partners, NGO's, juvenile educational agencies like Active Minds Reading Club operating in Ghana.

Hundreds of children were treated to lunch and presented with items from the organisers and their supporters including personal donations of items from Black Stars defender Rashid Sumaila, Allie' Honey, Highlander Meat Shop, Fiifi Mills, Roselyn Lamptey and Lizzy Amoaa.

The CEO of McDan Group of companies also donated an undisclosed amount of cash towards the hugely patronised full day event.

The Apiredehene was thrilled by the soccer talent of children in the U-10, U-12 and U-14 age categories.

Before the soccer activities, volunteers and reading coaches took each child through a private reading session before they were introduced to read in front of their teammates, coaches, guardians and parents.

The next Books and Boots event would be staged in the new year at a venue on a date yet to be confirmed.