The Ghana Amputee Football Association (GAFA) has appointed the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, as Life Patron of Amputee Football in the country, as part of efforts to project the sport and raise funds towards the forthcoming Amputee Football World Cup in Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mexico in November this year.
Speaking at a brief but impressive ceremony at the office of the Chief Imam, Rev Richard Nii Amartey Adesah, Chairman of the Ghana Amputee Association, disclosed that, the decision to confer the title on the head of the Muslim community is in recognition of the “commitment you have shown over the years towards issues affecting Persons With Disability (PWDs), especially the Ghana Amputee Football Team, The Black Challenge.”
Rev Adesah noted that, the Chief Imam’s commitment is “deepened by the manner you have promoted many Persons With Disability (PWDs) in various ways to explore their God-given talents and your humanitarian activities that have benefitted people from all walks of life.”
He expressed hope that the appointment would not only help the national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, participate in the forthcoming world cup but also make a significant impact and raise the image of Ghana higher.
Rev Adesah also appealed to prominent persons, institutions and other individuals to support the cause of the Black Challenge to win laurels for the nation and give hope to other Persons with Disability (PWDs).
Accepting the appointment, the Chief Imam, Cheik Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, thanked the Association for the gesture and assured them of his continuous support towards their activities.
He urged them to forge ahead and to remember to commit all their activities to God, expressing optimism that the Black Challenge would lift the flag of Ghana high in Mexico.
A letter of appointment and a sash with the title “Life Patron of GAFA” were presented to the Chief Imam to confirm his new position in amputee football.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Wisdom Hamenui, the Ghana Amputee Football Association Board and Alhaji Issa Monnie, all members of the Association, as well as Theodore Viwotor, General Secretary of the Association who is also the Deputy Media Relations Officer of the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF).
Meanwhile, the national team, the Black Challenge, has begun training in earnest in preparation towards the World Cup.
Under the tutelage of Coach Ali Jarrah, Head of the Technical Team, the team is currently on a non-residential camping programme to be followed by a residential camping ahead of the international competition.
Coach Ali Jarrah is calling on all amputee players willing to justify their inclusion in the national team to join the players at the Hearts Park near the Arts Centre in Accra whilst awaiting the final Northern and Southern Sector justifier.
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