Global courier giants DHL have scored a big first for corporate Ghana by initiating and successfully executing a clinic for the sport of Rugby.
DHL which sponsors rugby in other countries as South Africa and are also logic partners of the 2011 Rugby World Cup slated for News Zealand, held a rugby clinic for 7 selected schools last Saturday in Accra to expose the sport to kids.
School children from De-Youngsters, GIS, SDA High, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, Kotobabi 13, SAPS, all in Accra and University Practice from Cape Coast all received coaching clinics and lessons on the tentative rules, how to score, basic fouls, what is a try, how to attract penalties, everything about playing the game.
This according to Samuel Duodu, Area Commercial Manager, DHL West and Central Africa, conveys DHL’s determination to assist develop rugby at youth level, why they chose school children.
“We are interested in rugby because its primary elements as speed, teamwork, commitment, strong passion and the can-do attitude which are also core values of DHL. The target is that about a thousand kids will be playing rugby as a result of this clinic,” Mr. Duodu told All Sports.
Stressing that the clinic will be an annual event in addition to DHL providing the Ghana Rugby Association with infrastructural and kit support, the DHL Manager, expressed satisfaction with the maiden rugby clinic.
“A big success, fantastic, we never expected this much, the enthusiasm is marvelous and you can see on the faces of the kids that everyone is happy,” Samuel Duodu added.
Gifty Annan-Myers, President of Ghana Rugby Association couldn’t hide her elation and gratitude to DHL for the initiative, pointing out that it’s a right step in the mission to popularize the sport in Ghana.
“This is a bold move, DHL are trailblazers. No corporate body in Ghana has done this so far in Ghana. DHL created the event and it’s also unique because it was a mixture of schools, those who play and those who are completely new to the sport.
“It’s been a very exciting and successful day and we are grateful to DHL,” the lady affectionately called Miss Rugby eulogised.
