Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr. Richard Akpokavie, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has commended Ghana’s Weightlifting team, the Blak Cranes, for securing a historic 13 medals at the just-ended African Junior and Youth Championships.
The lifters showcased sheer power, earning six gold, one silver, and six bronze medals to finish second, ahead of heavyweights, Nigeria, Algeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tunisia, Mauritius, Botswana, among others.
Ghana’s triumph settled on the shoulders of Emmanuel Amo Boateng and Salim Abdul who needed no introduction in the men’s 71kg and 110kg respectively to dominate the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift events with three gold medals each at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
The team, after the success, paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the GOC to officially present the medals and thank the team for their support during the championship.
Mr. Richard Akpokavie addressing the delegation led by Mr. Kenneth Odeng Adade, Secretary-General, Ghana Weightlifting Federation, expressed excitement with the progress the team had made in the last few months.
“I remember during the Olympic Day run when we visited the gym, you told us that you were starting a new crop of athletes, and this is the results. I will only urge you to do more so that they will grow gradually and participate in the Youth Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games as well”.
He urged the athletes to set their sights on the Olympic Games, describing it as the goal for every dedicated sportsman and woman.
The President reaffirmed the Olympic body’s commitment to supporting the Ghana Weightlifting Federation in its pursuit of greater success and more medals on the international stage.
He extended his congratulations to the team and praised the federation’s President, Mr. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, for organizing a successful event.
Present at the medal presentation were Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, Mr. Evans Yeboah, Mr. Muniru Kassim, Madam Delphina Quaye, Mr. George Lamptey, Mr. Nathaniel Johnson and Madam Rafatu Inusah.
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