Sports
Goodwill Sports Ambassador Ray Quarcoo @90…celebration of dedicated service to Ghana sports
TO say Ambassador Ray Quarcoo has played a pivotal role in the development of sports in Ghana is an understatement.
Apart from Ghana’s first world champion — David Kotei (DK) Poison, the Goodwill Sports Ambassador has had a hand in all the boxing greats Ghana and Africa have produced.
From the legendary Azamah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Ebo Danquah, Nana Yaw Konadu, Thunder Ayeh, Clottey brothers — Emmanuel and Joshua, Joseph Agbeko through to the recent past Isaac Dogboe, Joshua Buatsi, among others, his singular efforts in their respective careers and success stories has etched his (Ray Quarcoo) name in gold.
Ambassador’s passion for the pugilistic sport, sports as a whole, and to see its students excel in and outside the ring is unmatched.
Boxing under his stewardship as president of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF), now Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), witnessed initiatives like boxing exchange programmes among countries such as Britain, USA and Azerbaijan.
And as an avid student of the sport, he could see a potential boxer from young ages.
The Goodwill Sports Ambassador’s love for boxing and sports knows no bound — he will travel on Sunday afternoons just to watch juvenile boxing on the streets of Accra (Wato Club), a practice which became a routine, where he ‘blesses’ the young boxers during his regular visits.
Many of Ghana’s national amateur boxing team members (Black Bombers) have not only benefitted from his vast experience in the sport, but his financial support as well.
Indeed, his supervision of the boxers’ preparation — camping, nutrition and training has endeared him to a lot of the pugilists.
His contribution as an executive member of the prestigious International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly Association of International Boxing Association (AIBA), and a dedicated management member of the Black Stars gave meaning to his title as Goodwill Sports Ambassador across the African continent.
Yesterday, he turned 90, as a businessman and a sports administrator extraordinaire, yet Ambassador Quarcoo believes modern day sports administrators must go the extra mile to rescue the country from her dwindling fortunes in sports.
Among the tall list of his contribution to Ghana sports, the Ambassador is credited for sponsoring Mr Mike Carney, an international Boxing coach from British Sports, UK, to assist in the preparation of the Black Bombers for the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
The Lifetime Patron of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) earned an honorary award from the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) for his contribution towards Ghana’s participation in the 1992 Olympic Games.
Widely known as Uncle Ray, he facilitated and bankrolled the establishment of boxing clubs at Bukom, Accra like the Black Panther, Panix gyms, among others.
By Spectator Reporter
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan visits Black Queens training, rallies team ahead of WAFCON
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan, paid a visit to the Black Queens during training on Wednesday.
The former Black Stars striker offered words of encouragement as the team continued preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
He congratulated the players and technical team for securing qualification to the continental showpiece and urged the team to remain focused, give their best whenever they step onto the pitch and to continue working hard.
The visit marked one of Gyan’s first engagements with a national team since his appointment as Ambassador for Ghana’s national teams.
He also assured the players of his commitment to supporting and motivating the team as they build towards WAFCON.
Gyan’s presence was warmly received by the players and technical staff, with the football icon sharing his experience and inspiring the squad as well.
The Black Queens are currently in camp in Accra as the team continue preparations under coach Kim Lars Björkegren.
