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President Mills inaugurates National Hockey Stadium
Accra, July 6, GNA – President John Evans Atta Mills on
Monday inaugurated the renovated National Hockey Stadium
ahead of the Hockey Africa Cup for Nations tournament.
The state-of-the-art Hockey stadium was constructed towards
the successful hosting of the July 10 to July 18
Championship in Accra.
President Mills at the inauguration of the facility, one of
the finest on the continent, said the completion of the
stadium is a testimony to the nation’s readiness to host the
continental championship.
He congratulated the Local Organisng Committee (LOC) and the
contractors for executing the project within the stioulated
time frame.
President Mills envisaged that the facility will aid in the
continuous nurture of hockey talents to promote the sport in
the country.
He said Government will support “lesser known” sports with
the necessary infrastructure to popularize the lesser
endowed disciplines.
The President underscored the need for an enhanced
maintenance culture to keep the facility in good shape for
the development and promotion of hockey.
The renovated structure which costs over 10 million dollars
boasts of a water-based pitch, four of players’ changing
rooms, a doping room, massage room, two umpires rooms, Media
Conference, Media Centre, VVIP Lounge, and a VVIP kitchen
including a seating capacity for 1200 fans.
Ten years ago, then as Vice President, Prof. Mills
inaugurated the sand-based hockey pitch and expressed his
delight at the opportunity offered him to so again with the
ultra-modern water-based pitch.
Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Youth and Sports said the
facility confirms Government’s support to give equal
attention to all sporting disciplines.
He said Government is considering similar facilities for
other “lesser known” sports including Athletics, Basketball
and Boxing.
The President also unveiled a plaque at the forefront of the
VIP Stand and performed the ceremonial push during a test
match involving Citizens and Veterans.
Four countries including Ghana will be participating in the
eight-day championship.
Defending Champions, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria are the
other participants.
GNA
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