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Ghana cannot host international athletics until ….
Accra, Feb 28, Ghanadot/GNA –
Ghana may not be able to host any international athletics
competition at any of the newly constructed stadiums because
of the absence of warm-up tracks – a major criteria used by
the International Amateur Athletics Association (IAAF) for
hosting of international championships.
Tartan tracks at the Tamale, Kumasi and Sekondi stadiums
have not been provided with warm-up tracks, a facility used
by athletes for warm up before the main event on the tracks.
Mr Sandy Osei-Agyeman, Chairman of the Ghana Athletics
Association (GAA)) told the GNA Sports in an interview in
Accra that the absence of the warm-up tracks at the three
new stadiums is a major hindrance to the nation’s attempt at
hosting international athletics events.
Warm up tracks are major requirement for international
competition under the IAAF rules and regulations.
Mr Osei-Agyeman said even though the country has received an
official invitation from the Confederation of Africa
Athletics (CAA) to host the All Africa Junior Athletics
Championships in 2011, this might not materialize if the
facilities are not provided by then.
According to the Chairman, the absence of the facilities
will in no way affect athletics in the country since the
hosting of more international events will help in the
development and promotion of athletics in the country.
He noted however that the present situation could be
rectified since the three stadiums have adequate space for
the construction of such a facility.
Mr Osei-Agyeman said the nation will be in a better position
to host the Youth Championship in 20111, if the warm up
tracks are provided.
According to the GAA boss, presently the nation can only
manage minor championships between two or three countries.
This, he said include national championships and three
nation athletics competitions.
Mr Osei-Agyeman expressed the hope that the appropriate
authorities such as the Ministry of Education, Science and
Sports, the National Sports Council and other stakeholders
would take steps to ensure that the facilities are made
available at the venues.
GNA
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