By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Oct. 19, GNA – The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has extended its school awareness campaign to the Central Region, engaging about 200 pupils from six schools as part of efforts to promote the sport among young people.
The programme, held at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in collaboration with the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), was the second leg of the initiative following an earlier exercise in Kumasi.
The campaign seeks to introduce Taekwondo to children across the country while promoting discipline, physical fitness, self-defence, confidence and character development.
It also aims to identify young talents and create pathways for promising athletes to progress to regional, national and international competitions.
Mr Frederick Lartey Otu, President of the GTF, in a speech read on his behalf, said the federation was committed to making Taekwondo accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds across Ghana.
He said the sport offered benefits beyond physical training by helping young people develop confidence, respect, perseverance and self-control.
“At the GTF, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover their talent and benefit from the physical, mental, and social development of sports,” he said.
Mr Lartey Otu called on educational institutions, school administrators, parents, local authorities and other stakeholders to support the development of Taekwondo in schools and communities.
He also urged coaches to appreciate their role in shaping the character of young athletes and developing future leaders.
Madam Joyce Datsa, Central Regional Director of the National Sports Authority, highlighted discipline and punctuality as important values associated with Taekwondo and sports in general.
She said such values should go beyond training sessions and reflect in the conduct of pupils at home, school and in their everyday lives.
Madam Datsa encouraged schools to incorporate Taekwondo into their extracurricular activities alongside established sports such as football and athletics.
She said Taekwondo should not be viewed merely as a combat sport, but as an avenue for developing self-discipline, endurance, fitness and self-defence skills.
She added that structured development of the sport could create opportunities for talented youngsters to compete at regional, national and international levels.
Mr Leonard Dorman Kpogo, Central Regional Coordinator of GNACOPS, speaking on behalf of the council’s Executive Director, welcomed the initiative and called for the expansion of Taekwondo to more schools.
He said although the sport was already practised in some schools, there was a need to broaden participation and establish it as a recognised extracurricular activity.
Mr Kpogo said Taekwondo could contribute to discipline, physical fitness, self-defence and healthy living among children and young people.
The programme brought together officials of the GTF, National Sports Authority, GNACOPS, Ghana Education Service, participating schools, coaches and other stakeholders in youth and sports development.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]