Black Stars wrap up the US World Cup preparations

with a fund raiser in Washington DC]

On Tuesday June 10th, the Ghana Black stars wrapped up their World Cup preparation in the United States with a fund raising dinner organized by the International Youth Soccer Organization (IYSO) and hosted by the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC.

A day after Ghana beat their South Korean counterparts by 4-0 in a friendly match, they flew to Washington DC from their Miami, Florida base to crown the victory with a fund raising dinner.

Some Ghanaian Government officials who were on official assignment in the nation’s capital were on hand to encourage the players.

Various dignitaries who graced the occasion included, Kwesi Nyantakyi, current president of the Ghana Football Association , Hon. Seth Tekper, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Kobby Koomson, a former Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Kwesi Botchwey, a former government official, and Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah , the Minister of Energy and Petroleum and the Member of Parliament of Ellembelle constituency in the Western Region of Ghana.

The atmosphere at the Washington Mission was charged with jubilation as Ghanaian fans travelled from all over the United States to join in giving the team a befitting farewell.

Ms. Amma A. Twum- head of chancery at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC welcomed the team and pledged the mission’s support for the team. She also announced that a giant screen would be made available at the embassy to show the opening ceremony of the World Cup and matches to be played by the Black Stars.

The coach, Dr. Kwasi Appiah, assured all fans that the team has a lot of confidence and that the boys are united and poised for victory at the World Cup.

Captain Asamoah Gyan, who will be making his third appearance at the World Cup, entertained the crowd as he was pushed by Rev. William Kpakpo Addo (Azigiza Junior) to sing a gospel song to the admiration of everyone.

The Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kofi Boateng, the Asantefoohene of the Washington Metro Area and Nana Ama Achiaa, the Asantefoohemaa, presented a check as their contribution to the fundraiser, and out of confidence the Chief said he had booked his ticket to Brazil to stay past the group stages to watch the Black Stars in the quarter finals.

A group known as the All Stars sang a special song for the Black Stars, after which the Masters of Ceremony, Apostle Emmanuel Nkum and Ms. Angeline Addy, launched a special commemorative magazine for the Black Stars and raised funds for the team.

The players crowned the event with the cutting of a special cake as they all gathered around and supported the Asamoah Gyan and Dede Ayew , who both led the cutting of the cake ceremony.

The party continued even after the players left to board their plane to Brazil.

The organizer of the event , International Youth Soccer Organization (IYSO), was appointed by the Ghana Football Association to help expand the international fan base for the Black Stars—Ghana’s beloved national soccer team. IYSO then created the “Go Black Stars” campaign to increase the team’s visibility with U.S. audiences and to garner financial support for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2014 World Cup. The “Go Black Stars” campaign is promoting special events and other activities that encourage the involvement of fans as well as companies, community organizations and individuals interested in advancing the competitive strength of the Black Stars and development of Ghana.