Mills reiterates support for sports development

Accra, July 1, GNA - The President John Evans Atta Mills has pledged to donate his share of the President's Cup tournament to the Old Players Association's Welfare Fund.

As per tradition of the event, the President who is entitled to 30 percent of the gate proceeds said "Many of the past players have made us proud, but today they are forgotten and live in hardship and so must the supported."

President Milss also reiterated Government's commitment to support the development of sports in the country.

"Government is committed to sports enhancement and will inject more resources to its development," President Mills said in a message read on his behalf by Vice President John Dramani Mahama during this year's President Cup at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra on Wednesday, as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

He said Government will make available funding for sports programmes especially to the "less endowed" disciplines including Athletics and Boxing.

President Mills added that the target was for development of sports at the youth level and school sports, which has seen a drastic nosedive in recent times. He said the appropriate authorities will be mandated in that direction to scout for young talents, which would serve as the basis for sports development.

President Mills, currently in Tripoli, Libya attending the Africa Union Summit also congratulated the Black Stars for their impressive run during the final round qualifiers of the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations.

The Stars are unbeaten in the qualifiers, which has reached the halfway mark and occupy the pinnacle of Group D on nine points, five more than closest contenders Mali, with Benin and Sudan in that order on three and one point respectively.

He urged the Stars to maintain the momentum in the remaining matches and expressed optimism that they will qualify for the Mundial and annex the ultimate trophy.

Meanwhile, Accra Hearts of Oak beat Sekondi Eleven Wise 5-4 on penalties to lift the President's Cup, played in honour of the sitting President.