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Agbeko crowned SWAG Sports Personality
of the Year
Accra, Dec 22, Ghanadot/GNA –
International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight champion,
Joseph Agbeko has been crowned the Sports Personality of the
Year, 2007 by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana
(SWAG).
Agbeko, who made a successful defence of his title two weeks
ago against Nicaraguan William Gonzalez, courtesy a majority
decision was decorated by the Association with the topmost
honour at its 33rd Awards Night held at the Round Pavilion,
Ghana International Trade Fair Centre in Accra last
Saturday.
The petit-boxer who turns 29 next March becomes the first
from the noble art of self defence to win the flagship award
in recent times after almost half a decade of dominance by
athletes and footballers.
Dressed in a black suit with black shoes, Agbeko who was
also adjudged the Professional Boxer of the Year received
his prize from Special Guest of Honour,
Peter Osei Duah, Managing
Director of State Insurance Corporation (SIC) amidst cheers
and jeers from the almost-packed pavilion dominated by the
crème de la crème of Ghana sports.
“I dedicate this award to peace and to all Ghanaians and I
urge all to conduct themselves peacefully during the
forthcoming run-off of the Presidential election scheduled
for Sunday, December 28.
“I also thank my fans, members of my team and above all SWAG
for the recognition,” Agbeko said after receiving his award.
Injured Black Stars and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien
was named the Best Footballer of the Year.
The London-based star, whose award was received on his
behalf by ex-Black Stars defender Tony Baffoe, beat
compatriots Sulley Muntari and Laryea Kingston to the prize.
The surprise package of the night was the National
Paralympic Team, backed by their impressive outing at the
last All Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria to claim three
awards.
The Paralympic team was honoured as the Team of the Year,
with Armstrong Aidoo and Ajara Mohammed picking up the Coach
of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year awards
respectively.
Other award winners included Ransford Osei – Promising
Player of the Year,
Moussa Narry Discovery of
the Year, John Ainoo – Dedication and Valour, Mirabel
Lamptey – Female Hockey Player of the Year, Joseph Appiah –
Male Hockey Player of the Year, Rozina Lomo – Handball
Player of the Year, Afful Williams – Cyclist of the Year and
Manyo Plange – Amateur Boxer of the Year.
There were also Special Awards for Atta Eddie Pappoe, Daniel
Arhin and Margaret Simpson for their contributions to
boxing, disabled sports and athletics.
The highlight of the night was the induction of retired
commentator and first president of SWAG, Joe Lartey into the
Association’s Council of Patrons.
In his remarks, The Special Guest of Honour, Mr Duah
commended the award winners for their untiring efforts to
bring sports to the limelight and urged them to build on
their successes for the future.
Ackah Anthony, President of SWAG also thanked corporate
institutions and individuals who contributed immensely
towards the success of the event.
Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), Graphic Communications Group
Limited, Gemini Life Insurance Company (GLICO). Kenpong
Construction Works, Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited,
Kasapreko Distilleries, Coca Cola Bottling Company of Ghana
and Voltic were amongst the main sponsors for the event.
GNA
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