Ghana to make impact at 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeonChang

r. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Chef du Mission for the 2018 PyeonChang Winter Olympics has said, the snow platform for elite athletes, is an opportunity for the world to know about Ghana.

Addressing the media on Ghana’s qualification and preparations towards the competition on Tuesday, he said two athletes made the attempt, but it was only Akwesi Frimpong, who made the mark to represent the nation.

Frimpong, who was born in Ghana, but moved to Holland at the age of eight, and later found his way into the United States of America (USA), was the sole representative for Ghana at the event.

Mr. Jerry Ahmed, who is also a board member of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), said the qualification of Frimpong, as the first Ghanaian to do the Skeleton event was historic and called on the media to grant him the needed publicity.

The Chef du Mission would lead Frimpong and his team comprising a coach and physiotherapist, together with the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee President and General Secretary to the competition.

He said, prior to his qualification, Frimpong was ranked 95, but now among the top 60 in the world adding that, it was due to self-discipline on the part of the athlete.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the GOC said Frimpong has been receiving some funds in a form a grant of $1,500 for eight months for his training.

He said the qualification of athletes from Ghana, Nigeria and Jamaica, where snow does not fall was a great feat and an opportunity for future generations.

He said the GOC has a budget of $57,000 for PeongChang and appealed to corporate Ghana for funding.

He said some companies like Cocoa from Ghana, Melcom, Samsung, Binatone and Hyundai have promised to provide for the GOC.

The Winter Olympic Games starts from February 9 to 25, 2018 in South Korea and over 90 nations are expected to take part.