Anniversary trophy outdoor

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Friday out-doored the special Republic Day anniversary trophy from the government to the public at a short ceremony in Accra.

The trophy would be at stake when Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics engage each other in a special anniversary match as part of activities to mark the country's Republican status.

The competition, which is the maiden, according to Honourable Prince Oduro-Mensah, vice chairman of the parliamentary select committee on youth, sports and culture, who presented the trophy, is to pay homage to the heroes and heroines of the country's democracy.

He said the government had come to appreciate how football can unit people and as a result intent to make the competition an annual affair and would be extended to other region in subsequent years.

Mr Oduro- Mensah said part of the gate proceeds from the game would be used to support the women national team; Black Queens while the rest would be used for charity.

The trophy, which has the picture of President John Agyekum Kuffour beneath it with the inscription "People's President Cup, Kuffour of Ghana", is a special initiative by government to introduce excitement into the celebration.

Mr Ben Koufie chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on his part said his outfit was encouraged by the gesture of the government adding that "in an era where we need more of such competitions than the league alone, this support could not have come at the right time than now".

The chairman said the game would offer teams the chance to train hard and stay in a competitive spirit before the resumption of the league in Sunday, July 6.

Hearts and Olympics would be the first competitors of the maiden competition at the nations Wembley, Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday July 1, which marks the 43rd Republic anniversary of the nation.