LOC Delegation gain from Wembley Arena Conference

Accra, June 29, GNA - A Four-member delegation of the Ghana 2008 Local Organisation Committee had the rare opportunity to view the Wembley Stadium in England with its padded seating, spacious foyers, upgraded refreshment and luxury suites.

The visit afforded the members the opportunity to appreciate more clearly the enormous work at the disposal of the LOC. Dr Kofi Amoah, Board Chairman of the LOC who led the delegation to the 8th Stadia and Arena Exhibition and Conference at the new-look stadium has referred to the forum as "Resourceful that enabled the LOC to gain more insight and to develop tremendous knowledge in the business of football".

The Chairman who made these sentiments in a press release copied to the GNA Sports on Friday said the delegation had the occasion to join local organising committees of various sports events including Switzerland-Finland Euro 2008, Ukraine-Poland 2012 and South Africa 2010 as well as other bodies.

The delegation was invited by the United Kingdom Trade and Investment Unit (UKTI) to participate in the major showcase success stories of European Industries and to share experience with other delegates.

Dr Amoah said the exhibition offered an international market place for the display of the very latest products and services required for the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of venues in Europe. "The occasion gave the perfect background to the need to for the provision of new facilities and infrastructure ahead of any major FIFA or CAF organised events and international games such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games".

Dr Amoah said more than 50 exhibiting companies from various backgrounds, stretching from architecture to stadium management, placed products and services on display to attract the Ghanaian delegation who were particularly interested in 'Terroplas', a specially perforated material for the management of pitches

He said another significant feature of the Loc delegation's visit was the "Meet the Stadium- Manager Event" that gave them the chance to interact exclusively with each of the more than 10 different UK companies.

Topics discussed at the conference were the Financing of a National Stadium, generating revenue on non-match days, funding for major projects, recreating world famous Wembley Pitch, FIFA quality concept for football turf, temporary structures and how to turn your screen into new customers.

The delegation included Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of the LOC, Kwame Karikari, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager and Ms Esther Dzifa Ofori of the LOC Board. 29 June 07