Motivate athletes just like footballers - Nkansah

Kumasi, Nov. 27, GNA - Eric Nkansah, a member of the men's 4x100 metres relay that won the gold at the eigth All Africa Games at Abuja recently has called for equal motivation for all sports men and women in the country.

Nkansah said the situation where footballers are well motivated than athletes does not augur well for the development of sports in the country.

The German-based athlete said the country's over reliance on football for honours at international competitions should end while equal treatment is given to all sports disciplines.

Speaking to GNA sports in Kumasi on Wednesday, Nkansah said Ghanaian athletes have also proven to be capable of taking the nation to places and achieving laurels and must be given the best of support to help the nation.

Referring to the Abuja Games he said it was regrettable that some officials were seen virtually attending to only the footballers and devoting less attention to the other sportsmen and women.

"Such attitude discourages sportsmen and women who are willing to serve their nation", he said.

"Some of us have to fly home for competitions with our own money and even bonuses meant for us in such competitions are delayed, while in some instances we are not even given anything at all".

Nkansah who deplored the way athletic competitions are held in the country, noted that since the country was well endowed with talents, regular competitions should be held especially at the grassroots to unearth more talents.

"Athletics is no longer for fun, but a big time profession which could serve as a source of employment for most of our youth if given the needed motivation and encouragement".

He denied rumours that some athletes jubilated when the Black Meteors were beaten by Nigeria and pointed out "we went there to make Ghana proud and not to sabotage any discipline or the country".

Nkansah whose personal best in the 100 metres is 10 seconds, appealed to all stakeholders in athletics, philanthropists and individuals to assist athletes to carry the nation to greater heights in athletics.