Accra: The Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF) has conducted a foundational course at the University of Ghana aimed at raising technical standards among universities. The initiative marks a significant step in promoting weightlifting across tertiary institutions in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the course was led by Dr. Kyle Pierce, Chairman of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Coaching and Research Committee. It involved Sports Directors from various universities and young coaches, who were introduced to essential techniques needed to practice weightlifting. The Ghana Weightlifting Federation is collaborating with organizers of the biennial Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) games to incorporate weightlifting as a discipline in universities.
Dr. Kyle Pierce expressed his enthusiasm during an interview with GNA Sports, noting that he was pleased to facilitate a session that aims to introduce the sport at the tertiary level. He highlighted the long-term objective of integrating weightlifting as one of the codes for the GUSA Games and the African University Games. ‘I am always happy to be in Ghana to help out in the development of weightlifting and I hope we can achieve our goal in spreading the sport across the country,’ he stated.
Mr. Kenneth Odeng Adade, Secretary-General of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, conveyed to GNA Sports that the course was part of efforts to make weightlifting a prominent sport, emphasizing the importance of equipping universities with fundamental skills. ‘This is a great opportunity for these universities to embrace sport. Weightlifting is a global sport and it is being competed everywhere. Introducing the sport at the GUSA games has been in the pipeline and we feel it is high time to bring it to their doorsteps,’ he said.
The GWF Secretary-General described the course as timely and transformative for sports development in the country. He expressed gratitude to the participants for their commitment and enthusiasm, encouraging them to apply the knowledge gained to uplift sports at the grassroots level.