One finds it hard to believe that Ghana, the once most popular African country at the Olympics is now on games with an insignificant member of participants. The first African country, south of the Sahara to be among 16 finalists in the Olympics football competition 44 years ago, is being represented at this year’s event in just two disciplines; athletics and boxing and sadly without her Olympic soccer team the Black Meteors. The first on the African continent to win an Olympic medal in soccer is now a non-performer in the Olympics’ most attractive game. The nine Ghanaians at the 29th Olympiad currently underway in Beijing, China will be competing for honors in boxing and athletics. What might have accounted for the country’s low representation at the world’s most prestigious quadrennial sporting event? Is it lack of political will or bad management and leadership? Do we lack the facilities, human resource and natural talents? Or is it just lack of patriotism on the part of our sportsmen and women? If athletes are supposed to be groomed, then there is the need to create room in our education reforms to give physical education some needed attention.
The Constitution mandates the State to provide adequate sports facilities for all in the country. And that sport is promoted as a means of fostering national integration, health and self discipline as well as friendship and understanding. Government is also required to develop sports in the country. It is in this light that government has put up four state of the art stadia which hopefully will be extended to all regions. However the unavailability of an athletic track at the Ohene Djan stadium is a serious set back. While Ghanaians wish their representations at the ongoing Olympic Games the best of luck, there must be a sober reflection on the current status of sports in the country and revamp Ghana sports in its entirety.
As host of this year’s summer Olympics, China has been given a very bad name in many respects. There have been many issues arising from China’s alleged human rights, security and health records. Most athletes have complained of the host’s polluted environment but the President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge has cautioned them not to make political statement at the Games in conformity with the Olympic Charter. Eager to impress a world audience, Chinese organizers have spent an estimated US$40bn on the 17-day event and built breathtaking facilities such as the landmark National Stadium, known as the bird's nest, venue for the opening ceremony.
Most governments have come under pressure to raise some protests indicating a possible anti Chinese demonstrations. But there is this notion that China’s economic power will keep the 29th Olympiad on track despite global condemnation of its crackdown on Tibet. The Games’ theme: ONE WORLD, ONE DREAM expresses the common wish of people the world over, inspired by the Olympic ideals, to strive for a bright future for mankind. As the world’s sporting elites gather to compete for honors for themselves and their countries, and in spite of the differences in color, language and race, let the world share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games, and together seek the hope of mankind for peace in one world.
BY ROSEMARY GAISIE, A JOURNALIST
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