Launching
the fair, Joe Aggrey, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports who read a speech for
the Sports Minister said materials for the production of sports equipment are
basically food, metal, leather, rubber cotton and plastics which are available
locally.
"I am
also reliably informed that there are people who are currently producing some
high quality sport equipment locally and it is our hope to encouraged
them in line with the government's golden age of business".
"I
believe that the creative abilities of our artisans and entrepreneurs have not
been challenged enough to produce such products and the opportunity is now here
so that in time all sports equipment would be produced locally." The fair
has been scheduled for February of next year.
The
Minister said the sports industry is a multi -billion-dollar venture, which can
provide a solution to the unemployment problem in the country and also enhance
government's effort at poverty reduction.
He said he
would ensure that all artisans and entrepreneurs who show promise during the
fair are encouraged to supply the NSC with the bulk of equipment needed for
mass sports and basic sports skills training programmes.
In a
welcoming address Dr Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, Chief
Executive of the National Sports Council said one of the major setbacks facing
the development of sports in the country is the high price of sports equipment,
which are beyond the reach of the ordinary citizens.
He said the
last time such a fair was organised 1987 resulted in the resurrection of many
ailing sports industries in the country. Dr Owusu-Ansah
said depending on the success of the fair; the NSC is prepared to use 70
percent of its budget for equipment to buy locally produced sports equipments.
GRi…/
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The
competition forms part of the team's preparation for future international
events. A release signed in
According
to him the no rates would be charged at the gates and the general public is
invited to the show.
GRi…/
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